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BISHOP KEN'S CHRISTIAN YEAR. 




BISHOP KEN'S 

C&mttan |9ear 



OR HYMNS AND POEMS FOR THE HOLY 

DAYS AND FESTIVALS OF 

THE CHURCH 

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BASIL MONTAGU PICKERING 

196 PICCADILLY 

1868 



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PREFACE. 




OR more than a century and a-half 
the name of Bifhop Ken has been 
aflbciated with the three opening 
Hymns of this Collection, which 
fince their firft publication in 1700, at the end 
of a Manual of Prayers which he compiled 
for the ufe of the fcholars of Winchefter 
College, have perhaps enjoyed more popularity, 
and been more fung in our churches, than any 
fimilar compofitions in the language. In the 
meantime, the equally fine Hymns on the 
Chriftian Feftivals, publifhed pofthumoufly in 
1 72 1, have been undefervedly neglected, though 
they have been highly praifed by the late John 
Keble, who was probably indebted to them for 
the idea of his own " Chriftian Year." 

Many, therefore, who reverence the name of 
Ken and love to linger on the details of his holy 




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PREFACE. 



r ite 



and felf-denying career — who look up to him as 
the model of a Chriftian bifhop — will now learn 
for the firft time what a rich legacy of facred 
verfe he left behind him, and what a new claim 
he has to their admiration and love. 

Poetical blood flowed in his veins -, for he 
was defcended on his mother's fide from John 
Chalkhill, the author of " Thealma and 
Clearchus." Left an orphan in 1651, at 
the early age of fourteen, he had the advantage 
of being nurtured in the love of all that is 
beautiful and pure by one of the gentleft and 
tenderer!: fpirits of the feventeenth century — 
Izaak Walton, who had married his elder fifter 
Ann in 1646. Having fpent fo many years in 
familiar intercourfe with fuch a mind, it is no 
wonder that he became a poet. 

The tale of his faintly and devoted life has 
been told fo often and fo well, that there is 
no need to dwell on it here. It is only neceflary 
to refer the reader to the narratives of Hawkins, 
Bowles, and Markland, and laft but not leaft 
to the exhauftive " Life of Bifhop Ken by a 




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PREFACE. 



Layman," publifhed by the late William Picker- 
ing in 1848. 

Thefe hymns were the one confoling occupa- 
tion of his declining years, when deprived of his 
wealth and honours for confcience fake, and 
fuffering the direft tortures of phyfical pain, 
he was looking forward with longing eyes to 
that " reft prepared for the people of God," 
to which he had fpent his life in fhowing 
the way. 

The reader muft not expecl: to find in his 
verfe the mellifluous fmoothnefs of a later age. 
With Cowley and the " metaphyseal fchool" 
as models, his di&ion is neceflarily fomewhat 
obfolete and his ftyle diffufe, and he indulges 
fometimes in a vein of conceit that has long 
been out of fafhion. This will not invalidate 
his claim to a high place among our earlier 
facred poets — for Herbert, Crafhaw and Quarles, 
Vaughan and Wither, if they fhared with him 
in his excellencies, fhared with him alfo in his 
molt chara&eriftic faults. The hallowed at- 
mofphere of devotion that impregnates every 



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PREFACE. 



line will endear him to all good churchmen of 
the olden type : his lips feemed for ever touched 
with a live coal from off the altar. Occafional 
quaintnefs will be overlooked for the fake of 
the holy thoughts and afpirations which abound 
in the poetry of Thomas Ken. 






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CONTENTS. 



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MORNING Hymn 

An Evening Hymn 

A Midnight Hymn 

Advent Sunday. Days Numbered 

Second Sunday in Advent. Judgment 
Third Sunday in Advent. Refurreclion 
Fourth Sunday in Advent 

Chriftmas Day 

St. Stephen's Day ..... 
St. John the Evangelift's Day 
The Holy Innocents .... 
Firft Sunday after Chriftmas. God a Father 
The Circumcifion ..... 
Second Sunday after Chriftmas. 

The Epiphany 

Firft Sunday after Epiphany .... 
Second Sunday after Epiphany. Chriji-like Lo<ue 
Third Sunday after Epiphany. The Saints 'with 

Jefus .... 
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. 
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany . 
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany. 
Septuagefima Sunday. Jujiice 
Sexagefima Sunday 
Qumquagefima Sunday . 
Am Wednefday . . ... 
Firft Sunday in Lent. The Temptation 
Second Sunday in Lent . 



On the Nativity 



Omnipotence 
The Trumpet 



3 

5 

7 

1 1 

16 

17 
22 
28 
34- 
39 
4-3 
47 
53 
58 
^5 

67 
69 

73 
75 
78 
82 
83 

86 
92 
99 




CONTENTS. 



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Third Sunday in Lent .... 

Fourth Sunday in Lent. The Life ofjefus 

Fifth Sunday in Lent. God's Attributes . 

Sunday next before Eafter. Name ofjefus 

Monday before Eafter. On the Agony 

Tuefday before Eafter. The Arraignment ofjefus 

Wednefday before Eafter. The Paffion 

Thurfday before Eafter . 

Good Friday 

Eafter-Eve 

Eafter Day . 

Monday in Eafter Week 

Tuefday in Eafter Week. The RefurreSiion 

Firft Sunday after Eafter. Jefus on Tabor 

Second Sunday after Eafter 

Third Sunday after Eafter 

Fourth Sunday after Eafter 

Fifth Sunday after Eafter 

Afcenfion Day, or Holy Thurfday . 

Sunday after Afcenfion Day. Jefus Prefent 

Whit Sunday ..... 

Monday in Whitfun Week. All Blefjings by Jefus 

Tuefday in Whitfun Week 

Trinity Sunday 

Firft Sunday after Trinity 

Second Sunday after Trinity 

Third Sunday after Trinity 

Fourth Sunday after Trinity 

Fifth Sunday after Trinity. 

Sixth Sunday after Trinity. 

Seventh Sunday after Trinity 

Eighth Sunday after Trinity 

Ninth Sunday after Trinity 

Tenth Sunday after Trinity. Jefus' Love preferred 



God is L,o<ve 



Life . 

Jefus our All in All 



PAGE 
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IO4 
112 
117 
I20 
127 
I38 
I49 
152 
163 
165 

173 
I79 
188 
I 9 I 
194 

J 95 
198 
199 
208 
21 1 
218 
222 
227 
233 
237 
242 
244 
247 
251 
254 
257 
259 
264 




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Prayer for 
Heaven firjl 



305 



Eleventh Sunday after Trinity. Jefus our Prie/i 
Twelfth Sunday after Trinity. Likenefs to Jefus 
Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity .... 
Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity .... 
Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity. The Sermon on the 

Mount 

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity. Love taught by 

Jefus . . . . . 

Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity. Unity 
Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity .... 
Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity .... 
Twentieth Sunday after Trinity .... 
Twenty-firft Sunday after Trinity . 
Twenty-fecond Sunday after Trinity 

Love . . 
Twenty- third Sunday after Trinity. 

fought ........ 

Twenty-fourth Sunday after Trinity. Heaven 

Twenty-fifth Sunday after Trinity. Jefus our King 

St. Andrew's Day . 

St. Thomas the Apoftle . 

Converfion of St. Paul . 

Purification of St. Mary the Virgin 

St. Matthias' Day . 

Annunciation of the Blefled Virgin Mary 

St. Mark's Day 

St. Philip and St. James's Day 

St. Barnabas the Apoftle 

St. John Baptift's Day . 

St. Peter's Day 

St. James the Apoftle 

St. Bartholomew the Apoftle 

St. Matthew the Apoftle 

St. Michael and all Angels 

St. Luke the Evangelift ...... 405 




/////// u\w\ 








CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

St. Simon and St. Jude, Apoftles . . . .411 

All Saints' Day 418 

Holy Baptifm 4*5 

Confirmation 4*7 

The Eucharift • • 4 2 9 

Absolution 43 2 

The Vifitation of the Sick 439 

Holy Order 44-4 

Matrimony • • 45 1 

Appendix — 

Firft Verfion of the Three Hymns printed in 
the Manual of Prayers for the Scholars of Win- 

chefter College 455 





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A MORNING HYMN. 




WAKE, my foul, and with the fun 
Thy daily ftage of duty run, 
Shake off dull floth, and joyful rife, 
To pay thy morning facrifice. 



Thy precious time miffpent, redeem, 
Each prefent day thy laft efteem, 
Improve thy talent with due care, 
For the Great Day thyfelf prepare. 

In converfation be fincere, 
Keep confcience as the noon-tide clear. 
Think how All-feeing God thy ways, 
And all thy fecret thoughts furveys. 

By influence of the Light Divine, 
Let thy own light to others fhine, 
Reflect all Heaven's propitious rays, 
In ardent love, and cheerful praife. 

'Wake, and lift up thyfelf, my heart, 
And with the Angels bear thy part, 
Who all night long unwearied fing, 
High praife to the Eternal King. 





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A MORNING HYMN. 



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I wake, I wake, ye Heavenly Choir, 
May your devotion me infpire, 
That I like you my age may fpend, 
Like you may on my God attend. 

May I like you in God delight, 
Have all day long my God in fight, 
Perform like you my Maker's Will, 

may I never more do ill. 

Had I your wings to Heaven I'd fly, 
But God fhall that defect fupply, 
And my foul wing'd with warm defire, 
Shall all day long to Heaven afpire. 

All praife to Thee, Who fafe haft kept, 
And haft refrefh'd me whilft I flept, 
Grant, Lord, when I from death fhall wake, 

1 may of endlefs Light partake. 

I would not wake, nor rife again, 
Ev'n Heaven itfelf I would difdain, 
Wert not Thou there to be enjoy'd, 
And I in hymns to be employ'd. 

Heaven is, dear Lord, where'er Thou art, 
O never then from me depart : 
For to my foul, 'tis hell to be 
But for one moment void of Thee. 

Lord, I my vows to Thee renew, 
Difperfe my fins as morning dew, 



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AN EVENING HTMN, 



Guard my firft fprings of thought and will, 
And with Thyfelf my fpirit fill. 

Direct, control, fuggeft, this day, 

All I defign, or do, or fay, 

That all my powers, with all their might, 

In Thy fole glory may unite. 

Praife God, from Whom all bleffings flow, 
Praife Him, all creatures here below ; 
Praife Him above, ye Heavenly Hoft ; 
Praife Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft. 






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AN EVENING HYMN. 

ALL praife to Thee, my God, this night, 
For all the bleffings of the light ; 
Keep me, O keep me, King of kings, 
Beneath Thy own Almighty Wings. 

Forgive me, Lord, for Thy dear Son, 
The ill that I this day have done ; 
That with the world, myfelf and Thee, 
I, ere I fleep, at peace may be. 

Teach me to live, that I may dread 
The grave as little as my bed ; 



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AN EVENING HYMN. 



To die, that this vile body may 
Rife glorious at the awful day. 

! may my foul on Thee repofe, 
And may fweet fleep my eyelids clofe ; 
Sleep that may me more vigorous make, 
To ferve my God when I awake. 

When in the night I fleeplefs lie, 
My foul with heavenly thoughts fupply ; 
Let no ill dreams difturb my reft, 
No powers of darknefs me moleft. 

Dull fleep of fenfe me to deprive, 

1 am but half my time alive, 

Thy faithful lovers, Lord, are grieved 
To lie fo long of Thee bereaved. 

But tho' deep o'er my frailty reigns, 
Let it not hold me long in chains ; 
And now and then let loofe my heart, 
Till it an Hallelujah dart. 

The fafler fleep the fenfes binds, 
The more unfetter'd are our minds, 
O may my foul, from matter free, 
Thy lovelinefs unclouded fee ! 

O when fhall I in endlefs Day, 
For ever chafe dark fleep away ; 
And hymns with the Supernal Choir, 
Inceffant Ting, and never tire ! 




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A MIDNIGHT HYMN. 



O may my guardian while I fleep, 
Clofe to my bed his vigils keep ; 
His love angelical inftil ; 
Stop all the avenues of ill. 

May he celeftial joy rehearfe, 
And thought to thought with me converfe, 
Or in my ftead, all the night long, 
Sing to my God a grateful fong. 

Praife God, from Whom all bleffings flow, 
Praife Him, all creatures here below ; 
Praife Him above, ye Heavenly Hoft ; 
Praife Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft. 



A MIDNIGHT HYMN. 

MY God, now I from fleep awake, 
The fole pofleflion of me take, 
From midnight terrors me fecure, 
And guard my heart from thoughts impure. 

Blefs'd Angels ! while we filent lie, 
You Hallelujahs fing on high, 
You joyful hymn the Ever-Blefs'd, 
Before the Throne and never reft. 

I with your choir celeftial join, 
In offering up a hymn Divine, 
With you in Heaven I hope to dwell, 
And bid the night and world farewell. 




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My foul, when I fhake oft' this duft, 
Lord, in Thy arms I will intruft : 
O make me Thy peculiar care, 
Some manfion for my foul prepare. 

Give me a place at Thy Saints' feet, 
Or fome fall'n Angel's vacant feat ; 
I'll ftrive to fing as loud as they 
Who fit above in brighter day. 

O may I always ready ftand, 
With my lamp burning in my hand ; 
May I in fight of Heaven rejoice, 
Whene'er I hear the Bridegroom's voice. 

All praife to Thee in light array'd, 
Who light Thy dwelling-place haft made, 
A boundlefs ocean of bright beams 
From Thy all-glorious God-head ftreams. 

The fun in its meridian height 

Is very darknefs in Thy fight ! 

My foul, O lighten and enflame, 

With thought and love of Thy Great Name. 

Blefs'd Jefu, Thou on Heaven intent, 
Whole nights haft in devotion fpent ; 
But I, frail creature, foon am tired, 
And all my zeal is foon expired. 

My foul, how canft thou weary grow 
Of antedating blifs below ; 







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ADFENT SUNDAY. 



In facred hymns, and heavenly love 
Which will eternal be above. 

Shine on me, Lord, new life impart, 
Freih ardours kindle in my heart ; 
One ray of Thy. all-quickening Light 
Difpels the floth and clouds of night. 

Lord, left the tempter me furprife, 
Watch over Thine own facrifice ; 
All loofe, all idle thoughts caft out, 
And make my very dreams devout. 

Praife God, from Whom all bleffings flow, 
Praife Him, all creatures here below ; 
Praife Him above, ye Heavenly Hoft, 
Praife Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft. 



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ADVENT SUNDAY. 

Days Numbered. 

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to 
awake out of fleep : for now is our falvation nearer than 
when we believed. The night is far fpent, the day is at 
hand : let us therefore caft off the works of darknefs, and 
let us put on the armour of light, — Romans xiii. u, 12. 

GOD a command upon me lays, 
Rightly to number all my days, 
Of all paft, prefent, and to come, 
To caft the fum. 







ADVENT SUNDAY. 



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That gracious God may be obey'd, 
I call arithmetic to aid, 
The fum, to which they all amount, 
I ftrive to count. 

But foon as I begin to caft, 
The number of my days now paft, 
All look like an evanid dream, 
All cyphers feem. 

My Now when I minutely weigh, 
'Tis but a moment, not a day, 
My Future is to all unknown, 
But God alone. 

I then arithmetic fufpecft, 
And on the paft again reflect, 
To number not by days but fins, 
My foul begins. 

When I thus calculate my years, 
Each guilty day an age appears, 
Time tedious is which we miflpend 
God to offend. 

My fins to fuch vaft numbers fwell, 
Which no arithmetic can tell ; 
Their multitude, which has no bounds, 
My foul confounds. 

My cyphers I to figures change, 
And in a total fain would range ; 



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ADFENT SUNDAY. 



But when I refurvey the fcore, 
I ftill find more. 

And yet a fum much greater lies 
Hid from my intellectual eyes, 
Of fins forgot whofe guilt remains, 
And crimfon ftains. 

Lord, in Thy book they are enroll'd, 
O might I there the fum behold, 
That I the debt immenfe may know 
Which there I owe. 

With fountains, Lord, fupply my head, 
A wave for every fin I'd fned, 
I'd flrive to pay the full in tear, 
My debt to clear. 

But fhould the ftreams which from me flow, 
Up to a new Atlantic grow, 
'Twould not the obligations pay 
Of but one day. 

The Blood of dying God alone, 
Can for my vaft arrears atone ; 
His Merits far my fins exceed : 
Them, Lord, I plead. 

Accept my plea, and when that's done, 
While I my future race mall run, 
I'll not by fins, but duties rate, 
My future ftate. 



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ADVENT SUNDAY. 



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I'll every morn my vows renew, 
I'll God retain all day in view, 
My confcience court in me mail keep, 
Before I ileep. 

Confcience, you made me firft awake, 
Due care to keep me waking take, 
Mind me of duty, fteer my will, 
And guard from ill. 

My paft loft moments I difclaim, 
My prefent fhall at duty aim, 
And all my future as they glide, 
To Heaven I'll guide. 

I then no more the fool fhall a£t, 
Or friendfhip with the world contract, 
Or fquander precious time, to gain 
Eternal pain. 

But duly numbering all my days, 
I fhall a flock of wifdom raife, 
And from the hours I well employ, 
Reap endlefs joy. 



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SECOND SUNDAY IN ADFENT. 

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT. 

'Judgment. 

And then mall they fee the Son of man coming in a cloud 
with power and great glory. — Luke xxi. 27. 



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HEN the Arch-angel's trump fhall 
found, 

And warn the world in ftupors drown'd, 
At God's Tribunal to appear, 
Hell-powers the voice fhall quivering hear, 
The earth mail quake from pole to pole, 
The orbs celeftial trembling roll : 



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The dead fhall in their graves awake, 

The hearts of all the living quake, 

Good Angels fhall the found revere, 

And God adore with humble fear ; 

God-man the Judge mail ready ftand, 

To leave His Throne at God's Right-Hand. 

Supernal Hofts who beams diffufe, 
Through arched Heaven fhall rendezvous ; 
Horfes and chariots, with which God 
In triumph through the waters rode, 
Shall to the Heavenly Gates repair, 
To wait on Jefus in the air. 





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SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT. 

The Angels at His march mall fhout, 
And all the way, with zeal devout, 
Shall hymns to the Incarnate King 
Of Mercy, and of Juftice fing ; 
They'll then His Throne in air eredt, 
That all the world He may infpe£t. 

God-man His Angels will enjoin, 
Saints' hallow'd duft to re-enfhrine, 
And when their fouls they re-embrace, 
Waft them to fee His blifsful Face ; 
The Saints they'll in their chariots drive, 
'Till they at Jefus' Throne arrive. 

Damn'd fouls mail then too late, in vain 

Bewail their fins which caufed their pain, 

They'll wifh eternally to die, 

Or buried under rocks to lie, 

In vain their wifhes will be made, 

No guilt God's Judgment can evade. 

The heavenly book mail be unclofed, 
The fecrets of all hearts expofed ; 
God and their confcience faints will clear, 
They'll plead not perfect, but fincere ; 
To their mild Judge they'll make appeals, 
Who with this Blood their pardon feals. 

The guilty finners, felf-condemn'd, 
Who Jefus' laws and crofs contemn'd, 








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THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT. 

Defpairing to decline their fate, 
With horror fhall their doom await ; 
No force of language can difclofe, 
Saints' raptures, or curfed Tinners' woes. 

Go, Curfed, doom'd to endlefs pain, 
Come, Saints, in endlefs blifs to reign, 
Good Angels thence mail Saints attend, 
With Jefus they'll to Heaven afcend ; 
Curfed fiends fhall drag the damn'd to hell, 
In everlafting pains to yell. 

All Praife to God, who here below, 
Prolongs my choice of blifs or woe ; 
My paft ill choice may I deplore, 
Fear hell ; but fear offending more, 
Keep a tribunal in my mind, 
And have by God my pardon fign'd. 



THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT. 

Refurrettlon. 

Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come 

i Cor. iv. 5. 

GREAT Day ! to mortals kept unknown, 
When an Archangel from the throne 
Shall on his radiant wings appear, 
And hovering o'er this lower fphere 




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THIRD SUNDAY IN A DTE NT. 

His trumpet blow, whofe mighty found 
Shall undulate the globe around. 

All feparate fouls where'er they dwell, 
In the out-courts of Heaven or hell, 
Soon as they hear fhall fummons have, 
To fly to each appropriate grave, 
And their corporeal bulk refume, 
To wait their Everlafting Doom. 

The particles of bodies dead, 
Though over numerous regions fpread, 
By fympathetic force imprefs'd, 
Shall hafte in prifline form to reft ; 
While to its feat the foul reflies, 
And the fame man who died mall rife. 



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From glorious God an angel fent, 

His Vial on Euphrates fpent, 

Should he his empty Vial fill 

With Hermon dew, and thence diftil, 

One drop on every ftream which glides, 

'Till it in ocean loft abides : 

Yet every drop Omnifcience knows, 
And where it in each billow flows, 
Can every drop entirely lave 
From its transfufions into wave, 
Though diftant as each polar fhore, 
Can to the Vial them reftore. 



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Should every drop in vapour rife, 

Turn rain, hail, fnow, when in the fkies, 

Thence falling into earth be funk, 

And up by vegetables drunk, 

God all their fhiftings can compute, 

And into dew them re-tranfmute. 

From Jefus' Body virtue came, 

Which cured the blind, fick, dumb and lame ; 

But fince He from the grave arofe, 

A nobler virtue from Him flows ; 

A virtue over Death to reign, 

And raife all dead mankind again. 

Pure fouls with rapturous joy fhall hafte, 
In their loved fhells to be encafed, 
While impious fouls with hideous cry, 
In vain fhall loathed re-union fly. 
Saints' graces them for blifs difpofe ; 
Guilt finners weighs to endlefs woes. 

God-man be praifed, who Saints' loofe duft, 

To glorious bodies will adjuft : 

Tho' foul and flefh fhall parted be, 

They'll meet in blefs'd Eternity. 

That thought devoutly, Saints, revolve, 

And live in languor to diflfolve. 




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FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT. 



FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT. 

John anfwered them faying, I baptize with water, but 
there ftandeth one among you, whom ye know not. He it 
is who, coming after me, is preferred before me. 

John i. 26, 27. 

AS when a vifit emperors intend 
To fome chief town, their harbingers they 
fend, 
To plain rough ways, to throw down every hill, 
To ftraighten crooked roads, and valleys fill : 
The Baptift for God-man, thus paffage made, 
His work was true repentance to perfuade ; 
To fmooth rough tempers, the perverted guide ; 
Ere£r_ humility, and level pride. 
Jerufalem, and all Judea round, 
Drawn by a faint fo awful, fo renown'd, 
Flock'd to clear Jordan's ftream, their fins con- 

fefs'd, 
Were all with his initial warning bleft ; 
Of their difeafe true penitential fenfe, 
To a kind Saviour made them all propenfe : 
He profelytes of all conditions gain'd, 
And in his difcipline for Jefus train'd. 

God to His fervant this high honour gave, 
Him to baptize, who the whole world mould fave. 
The Apparition then, and Voice Divine, 
Were of Meffias the appointed Sign. 



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CHRISTMAS DAT. 



He, from the hour when Jefus he defcried, 
Exhorted all in Jefus to confide ; 
Commending Jefus to the world's efteem, 
The Lamb of God, who mould the world 

redeem. 
With water only, I, faid he, baptize, 
To penitential tears, excite your eyes ; 
But Jefus inward graces fhall infpire, 
Baptize you with the Holy Ghoft and fire. 
Bleft Jefus with a fan mall purge His floor, 
The wheat in His repofitory ftore ; 
To Saints give blifs, the bad to torment doom, 
The chaff with fire unquenchable fhall fume. 



CHRISTMAS DAY. 

CELESTIAL Harps prepare 
To found your loftieft air ; 
You choral Angels at the throne, 
Your cuftomary hymns poftpone ; 
Of glorious spirits, all ye orders nine, 
To fute 1 a hymn, to ftudy chords combine. 

You all your happy days, 

Pay tributary praife, 
God's mighty works you fully view, 
And give your Maker praifes due ; 

1 Sute, to follow. 





CHRISTMAS DAT. 



This day a nobler theme your powers employs, 
Deferving nobleft hymn, chords, love and joys. 

This day (for you well know, 
Our time in flux below), 
You Sons of God together met, 
On a fix'd day which Godhead fet ; 
This day God fent His Son to fave mankind, 
You to adore His rifing are enjoin'd. 

You firft to humble fwains, 
Who watch'd on Bethlehem plains, 
Glad tidings in fweet fong proclaim'd, 
And them with Jems' love inflamed ; 
O may my guardian, who then join'd your quire. 
Me with like love in a like hymn infpire. 

You with your heavenly ray, 
Gild the expanfe this day, 
You overlooking all the earth, 
To all fang God Incarnate's birth 5 
Fill with your fplendours the expanfe again, 
Re-fing this day the fame angelic ftrain. 

You all muft hymn this morn, 
Not the Lamb (lain, but born : 
To Bethlehem lead me now the way, 
Help me the wonders to furvey, 
The ftable, and the manger, where God-man 
His condefcenfions infinite began. 

My eyes the Babe may reach, 
You muft His Godhead teach ; 




CHRISTMAS DAT. 



God there His Godhead deigns to hide, 

Which He can never lay afide ; 
In human flefh His Majefty He fhrouds, 
You Godhead fee, I only fee His clouds. 

I, while you God defcribe, 
Will what you fing imbibe ; 
Then ftretch my powers to utmoft might, 
Till of God-man I hymns indite ; 
But yet I fear you all too finite are, 
The Love of God Incarnate to declare. 

I'll to my cell retire, 
In filence God admire, 
Who vileft finners to redeem, 
Thus veil'd His Majeftatic beam ; 
And while I in proftration fpeechlefs lie, 
My love up to the Myftery fhall fly. 

Blefs'd Angels, you mean time 
Return to blifs fublime ; 
But when at Glory you arrive, 
The Saints in hymn with you will ftrive, 
Their nature God aflumed, not yours, and they 
Will love God moft, and fing the nobleft lay. 

Love on ambitious wing, 
Soar'd up to hear them fing j 
And though it could not reach the height, 
Yet when it met the Sons of Light, 
It irrefiftibly would them entreat 
The hymns of competition to repeat. 




CHRISTMAS DAY. 






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Love would ftri£t notice take 

Of a Saint's heaven-ward wake, 

Watch openings of the heavenly gate, 

Through that to eye the blifsful ftate ; 

How God this day in brighteft glory fhines, 

Frefh joys diffufing o'er the heavenly lines. 

God takes immenfe delight 
In His own glorious fight ; 
But no perfection He efteeras 
So dear as His Redeeming beams : 
Philanthropy this day moft bright appear'd, 
And to the God of Love the day endear'd. 

My love when back it came, 
Brought fupplemental flame ; 
Yet could not Jefus' Love conceive, 
But my defpondence to relieve, 
Since hymns all fell too low, faid, Love would belt 
By copying Jefus' graces be expreft. 

My love would yet incline, 
Together both to join ; 
All praife to God, Who for our fake, 
Of man's frail nature would partake; 
Born poor, to teach us riches to defpife, 
Which worldly fouls infenfate idolize. 

God-man be ever blefs'd, 

Born naked and diftrefs'd ; 
Who all terreftrial glare declined, 
And tendencies of fenfual mind, 



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CHRISTMAS DAT. 



'Gainft wealth, pomp, pleafure, earthly, tranfient, 

vain, 
May I a like antipathy maintain. 

Our great difeafe was luft, 
Which made us Heaven difguft : 
G3d-man be praifed, who chofe a ftate, 
Our earthly paffions to abate. 
Infpire me, Lord, with heavenly-minded fenfe, 
Antarctic to all foul concupifcence. 

God-man no fooner rofe, 
But He began His woes ; 
It grieved the Babe's Omnifcient eye, 
Men's curfed rebellions to defcry, 
He knew the mighty guilt of man's offence 
'Gainft boundlefs Love, and grieved with grief 
immenfe. 

God-man I Thee adore,' 
And from Thy Love implore, 
Againft all fin a flagrant zeal, 
Yet joys of pardon when I feel, 
Sin tempts me to rejoice, which drew God down, 
To raife vile finners to a heavenly crown. 

With joy I praifes fing, 
To our great humble King ; 
Thou Heaven didft leave for love of me, 
May I leave all for love of Thee, 
With Saints above this day I'll bear my part, 
O may I Thee incarnate in my heart. 



THnimum 




ST. STEPHEN'S DAT. 



ST. STEPHEN'S DAY. 



I SING, my God, the Saint this day, 
Who led the fuffering hoft the way 
To rife to glory moft fublime, 

The Martyr prime. 

God-man debafements ne'er declined, 
To fhew companions to mankind , 
He fervants would as matters treat, 
And warn their feet. 

He joy was wont for Tinners' fake, 
In humble charities to take : 
Blefs'd Stephen kept God-man in view, 
And copy drew. 

In Jefus' love the Saint up-train'd, 
Would humble deacon be ordain'd, 
To all men's woes to condefcend, 
And poor attend. 

God with the zeal benign was pleafed, 
Which had the Saint entirely feized, 
And grace fuperlative defign'd, 

To ftore his mind. 

The Gracious Dove upon him came, 
And kindled in him heavenly flame ; 





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ST. STEPHEN'S DAT. 






He full of faith, blefs'd Jefus taught, 

And wonders wrought. 

Five Synagogues at once combined 
Of various lands, to ftorm his mind ; 
He flood their fierce, confederate fpite, 
With humble might. 

No wit of men, no hellifh band, 
His heavenly wifdom could withftand ; 
Their greateft fages fear'd the force 
Of his difcourfe. 

The Jews, who in his death confpired 
Falfe witnefles againft him hired, 
Who mould what malice could fuggefr, 
With oaths atteft. 

The people, elders, fcribes, enraged, 
To feize his perfon then engaged, 
And to the council dragg'd the Saint 
With loud complaint. 

The villains falfely him accufed, 
That he had dangerous points infufed, 
Their venerable law decried, 

And God denied. 

They fwore, that he had fpread the fame 
All Salem o'er of Jefus' Name, 
To darken Mofes, and erafe 

Their holy place. 



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ST. STEPHEN'S DAT. 



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But God, the injured Saint to clear, 
Made faintfhip in his looks appear ; 
The Council in his face faw light, 
As Angels bright. 

Great Mofes, when for forty days 
He was ingulf'd in awful rays, 
Did not with fplendour more divine 

Than Stephen mine. 

The High Prieft then the Saint befpake, 
Some anfwer to the Jews to make, 
Who with celeftial zeal began 

To preach God-man. 

He taught them fhadows to defpife, 
And on the fubftance fix their eyes, 
Truth in thofe vehicles convey' d, 

Was now difplay'd. 

He provocations high, yet true, 
Laid to the unbelieving Jew, 
Their harden'd heart he durfl upbraid, 
Which Truth gainfaid. 

He charged on them their fathers' guilt, 
And blood of all the prophets fpilt, 
Sins cherim'd, which they mould bemoan, 
Became their own. 

He them reproach'd, who fet at nought, 
All that God-man or did or taught, 



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ST. STEPHEN'S DAT. 



That God's blefs'd Spirit to repel, 

They leagued with hell. 

That to the crofs God-man they led, 
Blafphemed Him while His Blood they fried, 
And whilft He tortured hung for thofe 

Who caufed thofe woes. 

That they God's holy laws tranfgrefs'd, 
Clear prophecies fulfill'd, fupprefs'd, 
And fhut their eyes againft the light, 
In love with night. 

Straight to the quick their hearts were 
gafh'd, 
Their teeth againft the Saint they gnafh'd, 
They of their crimes reproof fincere 
Abhorr'd to hear. 

Heaven at that moment open flew, 
The Saint had Heavenly Blifs in view ; 
A thoufand deaths he could have died, 
When blifs he eyed. 

Angelic Hofts together flock'd, 
To Heaven's bright gates, juft then unlock'd, 
To fee a Chriftian Martyr's gore, 
Ne'er feen before. 

Love mined fo bright in martyr's pains, 
They ready were to wifh for veins, 
That love they might with Stephen vie, 
And martyrs die. 




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ST. STEPHEN'S DAT. 



They Jefus faw His pofture quit ; 
He at God's Right though wont to fit, 
Then ftood, prepared to help with fpeed 
The Saint in need, 

Through open Heaven the Martyr's fight 
Could reach to majeftatic height ; 
Thus rapt, he could not fpeech withhold, 
But vifion told. 

Stopping their ears, the furious crowd 
Doom him to death with ravings loud ; 
Out of the city they him caft, 

To breathe his laft. 

There they the Proto-Martyr ftoned, 
Who them, more than himfelf, bemoan'd ; 
Midft ftony mowers he kneel'd and pray'd, 
Still undifmay'd. 

At every ftone they at him threw, 
Ejaculations from him flew ; 
" Jefus," he cried, " to Thee I cleave, 
My foul receive. 

" Forgive, O Lord, my caufelefs foes ;" 
Love then put to his life the clofe : 
He fank, and on the ftony heap 
Fell faft afleep. 

The Jews the murder to complete, 
Their garments placed at young Saul's feet ; 



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ST. STEPHEN'S DAT. 



He to like fury then was moved, 

And crime approved. 

Saints in his grave the Martyr laid, 
And all due honour to him paid ; 
Joy'd for his blifs, for lofs they grieved 
The Church received. 

God at the force of Stephen's prayer, 
Decreed their loffes to repair -, 
To an Apoftle raifing Saul 

By heavenly call. 

To Jefus praife, who midft the ftones, 
Eafed all blefs'd Stephen's dying groans ; 
Who deign'd for martyrs' aid to ftand 
At God's Right Hand. 

Heaven fent Angelic Squadrons down, 
To guard the Martyr to his crown j 
Saints joy'd that God had raifed his throne 
Above their own. 

Rays to that crown for every ftone 
Which Jews had at the Martyr thrown, 
Were added to reward his woe, 

And honours mow. 

May I, my God, by faith have fight 
Of Jefus ftanding at Thy Right : 
And ready when this world I leave 
Me to receive. 



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27 




ST. JOHN'S DAT. 



May I, like him, the influence feel 
Of faith, love, patience, courage, zeal ; 
Forgive my foes, for heaven prepare, 
And die in prayer. 

For Love of Jefus, O may I, 
Like Stephen live, difpofed to die ; 
And gladly joys of love to reap, 
Lay flefh afleep. 



ST. JOHN'S DAY. 

FAITH, hope, and tear within my breaft, 
Shall, Lord, this day in filence reft, 
O raife my love upon the wing, 
While I the loved Difciple fing ; 
For Love can beft the fong indite, 
Love only can of lovers write. 

Blefs'd John, you young the world forfook, 
Ere you too deep infection took ; 
The lefs fouls have of worldly taint, 
The fooner they grow up to faint ; 
A foul towards heaven which early ftreams, 
Is the offering which God moft efteems. 

To God's high friendfhip, love afcends, 
And dear communion ufed by friends; 
Love gave you nobleft heat and light. 
You feem'd below to live by fight, 




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ST. JOHN'S DAT. 




You leflen'd in felf humbling view 
The more, the loftier heights you flew. 

You when by 'Jems' Love inflamed, 
Were yet a fon of thunder named ; 
O how could love foft, gentle, mild, 
Be with dread thunder reconciled? 
When God mines out in gracious rays, 
He then afide His thunder lays. 

O 'twas not thunder of the cloud, 
' Twas heavenly, and benign, though loud ; 
Form'd to awaken, not to fcare, 
Such as was heard at Jems' prayer, 
When a voice fweet, yet mighty, came 
From Heaven, God's glory to proclaim. 

Blefs'd Daniel was to rapture ufed, 
Had evangelic truth infufed, 
He taught by Heaven, Meflias knew ] 
Should be cut ofF by impious Jew. 
But he no further could afpire, 
Than man of languishing defire. 

Incarnate God, who blefs'd your eyes, 
Made you to man of love arife ; 
You the inflammative beheld, 
Which all but Jefus' Love expell'd ; 
Great Mofes, when God gave the law, 
Sight fo endearing never faw. 




29 




You had of dying Jefus view, 
On His dire Crofs remembering you, 
His deareft Mother, deeply grieved, 
He will'd by you mould be relieved -, 
His Mother, He your Mother ftyled, 
And in His room yourfelf her child. 

Next to the Mother, ever-blefs'd, 
Who gave the God of Love her breaft, 
(She melting, while He fweetly mined, 
To co-enamourments inclined,) 
None to fuch height of love attain'd, 
As John on top of Calvary gain'd. 

All gracious wonders Jefus wrought, 
All His dear loves abforb'd your thought, 
You well the finner's merit weigh'd, 
With Blood of God for ranfom paid, 
And taught by the Eternal Dove, 
Gave God the proper name of Love. 

To God alone your love inclined, 
The freer 'twas, the more confined ; 
In God vaft amplitude you found, 
And lovelinefs which had no bound ; 
O'er love's expanfe it took its flight, 
Imbibing fweetnefs infinite. 

God-man who in pure love decreed 
For finners on the Crofs to bleed, 
In you excited a frefh flame, 
For all who from lapfed Adam came ; 




ST. JOHN'S DAT. 



A love which copied Love Divine, 
Of Jefus' lovers made the fign. 

God Filial, ere He ftoop'd to clay, 
In His loved Father's bofom lay, 
And from His infinite repofe, 
Came truth falvific to difclofe ; 
You molt beloved, loved Jefus beft, 
You lean'd on loved God Filial's breaft. 

What loves, what heights you there attain'd 
Could ne'er be by yourfelf explain'd ; 
If envy on a Saint could feize, 
All Saints would envy you that eafe ; 
If earth with Heaven in joy can vie, 
'Tis next to Jefus' heart to lie. 

You with the God of Love converfed, 
From Fontal Love you ftreams difperfed, 
You faving truth o'er Jewry fried, 
Glad tidings you o'er Afia fpread, 
Seven Mother-Churches there you fleer' d, 
To Jefus' love all co-endear'd. 




Your love, which terrors all defied, 
Was yet by martyrdom untried ; 
But God, who raifes good from ill, 
Made hell fubfervient to His Will, 
Turn'd from its aim infernal fpite, 
To give your love its perfect height. 




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ST. JOHN'S DAT. 



By hell the Pagans fet on fire 
Enkindled the Proconful's ire, 
He fent you bound with guards to Rome, 
To fierce Domitian for your doom; 
He you into a cauldron caft 
Of boiling oil, to breathe your laft. 

But God, who furnace-fire reftrain'd, 
While Saints in flame unfinged remain'd, 
The raging, fiery force o'er-ruled, 
And to kind heat the liquor cool'd : 
God martyr's crown for you contrived, 
Though you your martyrdom furvived. 

Your limbs decrepit, ftiff, and cold, 
Juft crumbling towards primeval mould, 
By fuppling oil, and gentle heat, 
Soon felt invigoration fweet, 
Heaven made you vital force regain, 
By what hell meant fhould be your bane. 

At blifs delay'd, you ne'er repined, 
God for your love more work defign'd j 
The tyrant at your 'fcape enraged, 
In a frefh cruelty engaged, 
He fent you bound to Patmos ifle, 
To a difconfolate exile. 

God fufferings there for you ordain' d, 
Which numerous fouls to Jefus gain'd 




32 



ST. JOHN'S DAT. 



But when the bloody tyrant fell 
To his imperial pains in hell, 
Mild Nerva chofen to fucceed, 
You by divine direction freed. 

At Ephefus abode you made, 
Where neighbouring Churches you obey'd, 
You with illumination ftored, 
When Afian guides your help implored, 
The Church from heretics redeem'd, 
Who raifed by hell, God-man blafphemed. 

In all your writings every line 
Was dictated by Love Divine ; 
Your love the more vivacious grew, 
The nearer it to glory drew ; 
When you a century had reach'd, 
Love was the only thing you preach'd. 

In vain no lover ever pray'd, 
You gain'd a fuper-effluent aid ; 
And God's perfections all combined 
To further what you had defign'd ; 
The miracles which made you famed, 
Your love as well as truth proclaim'd. 

Your love on Heaven flx'd vigorous aim, 
Though you had fpent your vital flame ; 
Hafte, O my Love, your longing heart 
Cried, as it felt the welcome dart : 
Love heard, and fent a feraph down 
To waft you to a martyr's crown 




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THE HOLT INNOCENTS, 



Praife, Lord, to Thee, who didft outftream 
On John a fweet enamouring beam, 
Whofe love diffufing heavenly flame, 
Made pagan nations love Thy Name, 
O may I feel Love's gracious might, 
And all I can to love excite. 



THE HOLY INNOCENTS. 



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SOON as Great God in flefh enfhrined, 
Began falvation of mankind, 
Hell utmoft fpite difclofed, 
God's boundlefs Love oppofed $ 
And numerous fiends to Salem fent, 
Judaic malice to foment. 

The fiends faw Herod deeply grieved, 
That the Wife Men had him deceived, 
And would no tidings bring 
Of Jewry's new-born King ; 
And they a ftrong detachment made, 
Which mould the tyrant's foul invade. 

A legion ftraight the wretch poflefs'd, 
Strong jealous terrors to fuggeft ; 
Ideas dire they wrought, 
To haunt his troubled thought ; 




THE HOLT INNOCENTS. 



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Amidft his flumbers he would ftart, 

In dream, the babe had ftabb'd his heart. 

The jealous fears which tyrants feize, 
Diabolize them by degrees, 

Fierce Herod fwell'd to rage, 
Which nothing could affuage ; 
For infant blood remorfelefs raved, 
And the arch-murderer out-braved. 

But Heaven to Jofeph warning gave, 
The Mother and the Babe to fave j 
To take to Egypt flight 
From Herod's murderous fpite ; 
Strange land, the Babe, long dangerous way, 
They urge not -> but with zeal obey. 

Wills which to God furrender'd are, 
He makes His own peculiar care, 

His Wifdom, Goodnefs, Power, 

Still nigh in needful hour, 
Was their fupport, defence, and guide, 
And what they wanted, ftill fupplied. 

The tyrant troops, his rage to vent, 
To murder Bethlehem infants fent ; 

To kill one babe alone, 

Could not his rage atone, 
A general (laughter he decreed, 
In hope the Rival Babe might bleed. 




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The mothers' fhrieks, the infants' cries, 
Frighted the fiends who crowd the fkies ; 

And Luciferian pride 

The fa£t with envy eyed, 
Swore fince the devils learn'd to kill, 
They ne'er achieved (o brave an ill. 

The land was deluged with a flood 
Of mothers' tears, and infants' blood ; 
Such a heart-burfting moan 
Was ne'er in Egypt known, 
When the Deftroying Angel's blade, 
Of the firft-born mafTacre made. 



Great God, whofe Omniprefent eyes, 
All human actions fupervife, 

Forced Herod 'gainft his will 

Heaven's purpofe to fulfil ; 
Turn'd his efforts of hellifh ire, 
In his own ruin to confpire. 

Juft vengeance on the wretch was mown, 
By plagues and horrors on his throne ; 
But reeking infant gore, 
To vengeance cried for more : 
With that God damn'd him to like pains, 
Which the arch-murderer fuftains. 

From danger when the coaft was clear'd, 
God back all three to Nazareth fteer'd : 




Praife to the Mighty Child, 

Content to be exiled, 
And for our fakes in tendereft age, 
In numerous hardships to engage. 

There Jofeph, and the Virgin bleft 
With her Redeemer at her breaft, 
Lived in fweet, awful fenfe 
Of their dear Babe immenfe, 
Both by Angelic hofts revered, 
Above all Saints to God endear'd. 

Both by their humble Infant taught, 
No worldly joy, wealth, honour fought, 
To raptures ne'er afpired, 
Lived humble, and retired, 
In love, prayer, meditation, praife, 
Form'd by His imitable rays. 

May I, like them, in blefs'd retreat, 
On Heaven employ refiduous heat, 
Meek, humble, and ferene, 
From wilful outrage clean, 
Keep to God's Will, my own relign'd, 
And fix on Jems' love my mind. 

Blefs'd Jefus, on the babes, who bled 
For His fole fake, high favours flied ; 
By happy deaths fecure 
From ills they might endure ; 
Of lofing heaven from danger freed, 
To heaven by making early fpeed. 





THE HOLT INNOCENTS. 



The Guardians, children wont to aid, 
In vehicles like doves array'd, 

Their innocence to paint, 

Took each his infant Saint ; 
'Twixt their foft wings to Heaven they fwam, 
Like cygnets on a feather'd dam. 

Heaven joy'd to fee the fpeechlefs flight, 
All wafh'd in blood of martyr white ; 
Saints and Angelic Quires 
To their refplendent lyres 
The firftlings of falvation fung, 
Who join'd them with their loofen'd tongue. 

All praife to God, whofe gracious Might 
Even fucklings can to hymn excite : 
O may I, born anew, 
Keep heaven in longing view, 
From ghoftly child, blefs'd manhood gain, 
Till, ripe for heaven, I heaven obtain. 





FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS. 



FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS. 
God a Father. 



And becaufe ye are fons, God hath fent forth the Spirit 
of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. — 
Galatians iv. 6. 

TIS, Lord, Thy Will that all mankind 
Should love Thee with heart, foul, and 
mind 3 
And of all laws fublime, 
Love nobleft is, and prime; 
But O ! by whom mall we be taught, 
To love Thy Goodnefs as we ought ? 

Lord, 'tis Thyfelf, who haft imprefs'd, 
In native light on human breaft ; 

That their Creator all 

Mankind mould Father call ; 
A father's love all mortals know, 
And the love filial which they owe. 

Our Father gives us heavenly Light, 
And to be happy, ghoftly fight ; 

He blefles, guides, fuftains, 

He eafes us in pains ; 
Abatements for our weaknefs makes, 
And never a true child forfakes. 



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FIRST SUNDAY 



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He waits till the hard heart relents, 
Our felf-damnation He laments; 
He fweetly them invites, 
To fhare in Heaven's delights ; 
His arms He opens to receive, 
All who for pari tranfgreilions grieve. 

My Father ! O that Name is fweet, 
To finners mourning in retreat ; 
God's heart paternal yearns, 
When He a change difcerns ; 
He to His favour them reftores, 
He heals their moft inveterate fores. 



When pangs of the new birth they feel, 
He to their pardon fets His feal ; 
O Love ! exceeding thought, 
Which our redemption wrought ; 
Which endlefs blifs for Saints prepares, 
To reign with His own Son, co-heirs. 

Religious honour, humble awe, 
Obedience to our Father's law ; 

A lively grateful fenfe, 

Of tendernefs immenfe ; 
Full truft on God's paternal cares, 
Submiffion which chaftifement bears. 

Grief, when His Goodnefs we offend, 
Zeal, to His Likenefs to afcend ; 




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AFTER CHRISTMAS. 



Will, from the world refined, 
To His fole Will refign'd ; 
Thefe graces in God's children fhine, 
Reflections of the Love Divine. 

God's children love all human race, 

In whom they God's dear Image trace ; 
More likenefs they attain, 
The greater love they gain ; 

Saints in whom God is molt exprefs'd, 

Fraternal charity loves beft. 

God's Son co-equal taught us all, 

In prayer His Father ours to call ; 
With confidence in need, 
We to our Father fpeed ; 

Of His own Son the language dear, 

Intenerates the Father's ear. 

I, prodigal, to fquander ftrive, 
The portion I from God derive ; 
I precious time miflpend, 
Towards vanities propend ; 
On hufks of worldly joys I feed, 
Which nothing but fruftrations breed. 

Thou Father art, though to my lhame, 
I often forfeit that dear Name ; 

But fince for fin I grieve, 

Me Father-like receive ; 




4-1 



FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS. 

O melt me into filial tears, 
Tq pay of love my vaft arrears. 

My love, my tears can never rife, 

To a juft filial facrifice ; 
But Jefus for me bled, 
Both love and tears He fhed ; 

For His love, tears, O ! me forgive, 

That I Thy child may ever live. 



O Spirit of Adoption ! fpread 

Thy Wings enamouring o'er my head ; 

Filial Love immenfe ! 
Raife me to love intenfe ; 

O Father ! fource of Love Divine, 
My powers to love and hymn incline. 

While God my Father I revere, 
Nor all hell powers, nor death I fear ; 

1 am my Father's care, 
His fuccours prefent are ; 

All comes from my loved Father's Will, 
And that fweet Name intends no ill. 

God's Son, His foul, when life He clofed, 

In His dear Father's hands repofed ; 
I'll, when my laft I breathe, 
My foul to God bequeath ; 

And panting for the joys on high, 

Invoking Love Paternal, die. 



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THE CIRCUMCISION. 



THE CIRCUMCISION. 

UPON the oaave of Thy birth, 
Since Thou God-man didft fhine on earth, 
Thou as the blifsful light 
Immaculately bright, 
Wouldft a feverity endure, 
Contrived to teach lapfed men they were impure. 

Thy heav'nly Father it ordain'd, 
Love to obedience Thee conftrain'd, 

Our fpirits to incline 

To zeal for law divine, 
From infancy Thy Father's Will, 
It was Thy care devoutly to fulfil. 

Thou our affections to excite, 
Wouldft ftoop to an afflictive rite, 
Thou early didft forefhew, 
What Thou wouldft undergo, 
Thy Crofs and agonizing pains, 
Which made Thy Blood gufh out at all Thy veins. 

But, Lord, from fin all pain arofe, 
Sin is the caufe of penal woes, 

A babe Thou didft begin 

To bear the weight of fin, 
And by the circumcifing fteel, 
Teach that Thy Flefh our punifhment mould feel. 




4-3 



THE CIRCUMCISION. 



All Heaven and earth which faw Thee bleed, 
Saw Thee true man and Abraham's feed, 

He firft received the fign 

Of covenant divine, 
And 'twas by Thee from him derived, 
All dead in fin, to blifs mould be revived. 

Thy Love, fweet Babe, with willing heart 
Endured Thy Circumcifion fmart, 
'Twas Thy propitious aim 
To take that deareft Name 
Of Jefus, at that rite impofed 
Which Thy Salvation to the world difclofed. 

My fpirit makes its laft efforts, 
To think what that dear Name imports, 
One while I fin furvey, 
Which Jefus takes away. 
I fee my Jefus bear the pains 
Due to my own concupifcential ftains. 

My love one while fuggefts to thought, 
The great Salvation Jefus wrought, 

And while I Jefus fee 

Hang on the Crofs for me, 

My love traje£ted from my eye, 

O'erflows my heart, I could for Jefus die. 

Dear Jefus is a joyful Name, 
And I a part in Jefus claim, 




THE CIRCUMCISION. 



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Sweet Jefus dries my tears, 
Sweet Jefus calms my fears, 
And I from guilt by Jefus freed, 
The very Angels mould in hymn exceed. 

Blefs'd Angels ! you my Jefus praife, 
Flefh cannot reach your heavenly lays 

Yet fince for me He deign'd, 

Not you, to be arraign'd, 
In love with you I'll ftrive to vie, 
With all your might you love, and fo will I. 

My love in this mall yours outdo, 
'Twill be the tenderer of the two, 

Into foft tears 'twill melt, 

For woes my Jefus felt ; 
Our loves in different rills will dream, 
Mine native, yours but foreigner will feem. 

At Jefu's Name all knees muft bow, 
Their hearts for off'rings to Him vow, 

I, Jefu, would vow mine, 

But Thou muft it refine, 
Till it to Thy fole love adheres, 
And at Thy Throne fit holocauft appears. 

But what have I which is my own, 

To offer, Jefu, at Thy Throne ? 

The heart that I defign, 

Is by dear purchafe Thine, 

And I have nothing left in ftore, 

But was Thy own, my Jefus, long before. 




45 



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I 



THE CIRCUMCISION. 



O, my dear Jefus, 'twas Thy own, 
I now my facrilege bemoan, 

I ftole my heart away, 

Made it to fin a prey. 
Thou gaveft Thyfelf to free the nave, 
Reject me not whom Thou didft die to fave. 

My Jefus ! O Thy Name is fweet, 
To miners mourning in retreat, 

The Name by God defign'd 

To eafe a troubled mind. 
God Love to us had ne'er been ftyled, 
Had He not been in Jefus reconciled. 

My Jefus ! while I here remain, 
Affections vile, unruly, vain, 

Are ready to arife, 

My fpirit to furprife ; 
O circumcife them from my heart, 
That naught may me and my dear Jefus part. 

Duration the Angelic quire 

In hymning fpend and never tire, 

Eternally delight 

In Beatific Sight, 
When Jefus has my heart poffefs'd, 
O I could Jefus hymn and never reft. 

A thoufand years is but one day, 
In God's indivifible ray. 






SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS. 

And while I Jefus fing, 
An ever-gufhing fpring 
With thought devout fupplies my zeal, 
And I in finging no fucceflion feel. 

My Jefus ! no feraphic flame 

Has ardours fit to hymn Thy Name, 

While I to hymn incline, 

I'll love and Jefus join, 
And when my hymn remits its heat, 
Jefus my love a thoufand times repeat. 

My Jefus ! I my fpirit chide, 

When from Thy thought it turns afide, 

O be Thou on my breaft 

Still virtually imprefs'd, 
My love will long to fing with thofe, 
Whofe hymns to Jefus never mail have clofe. 



SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS. 

On the Nativity. 

Luke ii. 15-21. 

O GREAT God-man ! my grovelling fpirit 
raife, 
To a devout fublimity of praife ; 
Thy beams on me Thou fontal Wifdom dart, 
Thy boundlefs love incarnate in my heart, 




47 



SECOND SUNDAY 



That at full pitch of evangelic joy, 

To fing Thy birth, I may my powers employ. 

The ftationary prieft, with lighted torch, 
Had tried the Levites upper vefts to fcorch, 
Whom at their various polls he deeping found, 1 
As in the Holy Place he walk'd the round, 
When God Incarnate pafs'd His virgin fhroud, 
With gentler force than rays a yielding cloud. 
And lapfed man faw the firft falvific gleams, 
Which foon grew up to full meridian beams ; 
Spreading a glorious evangelic light, 
And uninvadable by ghoftly night ; 
The Virgin Mother near the manger placed, 
In her foft arms the boundlefs Babe embraced, 
As on the Ark the Shechinah reclined, 
Between the cherubims' bright wings enfhrined, 
While all the world in fudden rapture joins, 
And in high fympathetic praife combines. 



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The morning ftars new lofty carols fang, 
And all the heavenly orbs of Jefus rang, 
A cheerful fplendour brightened all the fphere, 
The air ferene made clouds to difappear ; 
The moon wiped her disfigured fpots away, 
Ambitious at midnight to make midday ; 
The drooping flow'rs which abfent fun bemoan, 
Raifed up their heads, grew frefh, and fully 
blown ; 



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AFTER CHRISTMAS. 






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All ftrove their quintefcential fweets to drain, 
Perfuming earth, God-man to entertain. 
Earth which with Paradife might then compare, 
And felt more od'rous incenfe in the air. 
The woods, by winter of their made bereaved, 
By an extemporaneous fpring were leaved ; 
The nightingales, juit fall'n afleep, awoke, 
The airy quires with finging to provoke, 
And thick on ev'ry tree the winged throng 
Strove to out-do the nightingales in fong ; 
The God of harmony voiced all their throats, 
And fweetly harmonized their various notes, 
Ominous birds, at midnight wont to roam, 
Made no dire noife, but filent perch'd at home. 
The fiends were all night long in Tophet chain'd, 
Wond'ring they from their haunts mould be 

reftrain'd, 
The ocean cryftal clear lay faft afleep, 
The eye might view the bottom of the deep. 
Dread thunders into warblings foft were ftill'd, 
Heaven fhot kind lightnings the expanfe to gild ; 
All the loofe winds which o'er the compafs flew, 
In fweet, refrefhing, gentle murmurs blew ; 
No noxious exhalations could arife, 
Balfamic vapours only fill'd the fkies, 
And mortals drown'd in fleep alluring fleams, 
Of ftrange deliverance had tranfporting dreams. 

The fhepherds, who near Bethlehem watch'd 
the fold, 



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SECOND SUNDAY 



A wondrous change could in the world behold , 
There was no need to drive the wolves away, 
Wolves would with fearlefs lambs familiar play, 
When on a fudden, arched Heaven around, 
Of fwift angelic wings they heard the found, 
With light a thoufand times beyond the fun, 
All Heaven was in an inftant over-run, 
Bright majeftatic glory fill'd the fphere, 
And ftruck the fwains with a fweet, awful fear ; 
Till an Archangel ftay'd on wings outfpread, 
With heavenly mildnefs, thus allay'd their dread. 

Fear not : Behold, good tidings I declare 
Of greateft joy, in which all men mail fhare : 
In David's city at this turn of morn, 
A Saviour, Chrift, the Lord, to you is born. 
This fign fhall Him diftinguifh to your eyes, 
He's fwathed in clouts, and in a manger lies. 
Straight with the radiant herald, numerous hofts 
Of glorious Angels, fill the airy coafts, 
Dancing for joy o'er the expanfe on wing, 
In heaven-taught meafures, while they loudly fing, 
To God in Heaven be Glory, on earth Peace, 
Good-will tow'rds men, fuch as mall never ceafe. 
And while their voices in fweet chords confpire, 
Each heavenly harper ftrikes his tuneful lyre : 
Good Angels joy, when but one finner weeps, 
Heaven Jubilee for ev'ry mourner keeps. 
But their extatic joys were unconfined, 
At the Salvation of all lapfed mankind. 



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50 



AFTER CHRISTMAS. 



God, who Himfelf immenfe complacence fhew'd, 
With beams triunal the horizon ftrew'd. 

The winged hoft remembring God's Decree, 
When Filial God they mould Incarnate fee, 
That they mould all adore Him, fwiftly flew 
To Bethlehem, there to pay their homage due ; 
But ere to make their entrance they prefume, 
Themfelves they firft proportion to the room, 
They their expanded vehicles condenfe, 
Their rays collected, mine the more intenfe. 
Nine heavenly orders enter one by one, 
The loweft mined much brighter than the fun. 
Jofeph and Mary's elevated fight 
Remain'd undazzled at their glories bright - 9 
Angels firft, Seraphs laft, their rev'rence made, 
In proper robes refplendent all array'd. 
Each order ent'ring the blefs'd humble door, 
At the Babe's feet fell proftrate on the floor ; 
Of humble Jefus, each fang hymns fublime, 
With the celeftial harpers keeping time : 
Soon as they had their adorations paid, 
And heap'd their bleffings on the heavenly Maid, 
As forth they from the hallow'd ftable went, 
They ftretch'd their radiant fhapes to full extent, 
And ftraight remounting to the realm of light, 
Hymn'd God Incarnate all along their flight. 

The lowly fwains, to fee the wondrous Child, 
Leave fheep and wolves together reconciled ; 








On ftraw they find Him in the manger laid, 
Till taken up by the fweet, humble Maid ; 
As in her arms her deareft Babe repofed, 
A wreath of heavenly glory both enclofed, 
The fhepherds the Immortal Child adored, 
His bleffings for themfelves and flocks implored, 
And rapt at His tranfporting fight, difFufe 
All o'er the city the tranfporting news, 
While David's race in David's town enroll'd, 
Hafte to the inn, the Infant to behold, 
The faithful fhepherds to the crowd declare, 
The glorious vifion they had feen in air, 
All in amazement pleafing and devout, 
Gave an exulting euchariflic fhout ; 
Bleft Mary, who in joys had greateft part, 
Kept all they faid deep graven on her heart j 
The fwains with overflowing joys repair, 
Of their dear flocks to reafiuoie the care, 
And all the way returning to the field, 
Praifed God for all the glorious things reveal'd ; 
Their flocks they feeding in full fafety found, 
And made the plains with Jefus' praife refound. 



To guide the kings, a radiant ftar was fent, 
Blefs'd fwains, celeftial beams o'erfpread your 

tent, 
God Angels chofe glad news to them to bring, 
They faw them dance for joy, and heard them 

fing, 
God, who exalts the humble, honour'd you 








AFTER CHRISTMAS. 



Above all men, with God Incarnate's view. 
May I, like you, life on my calling fpend, 
Untainted by the world on God attend, 
Devout, meek, peaceful, low in my own eye, 
In God's tranfporting favour live and die. 

Jefus be praifed ! Who deign'd the joyful news 
By Angels into fhepherds to infufe. 

Glory to Jefus ! the whole mount recites, 
Who humbleft faints exalts to nobleft heights. 

THE EPIPHANY. 

WHEN God from Heaven came down, 
To take our flefh in Bethlehem town, 
Heaven the tranfporting news 
Declared at firft to none but Jews ; 
To Bethlehem fhepherds who watch' d o'er the 

fold, 
A quire of Angels the glad tidings told. 

They faw God's early ray, 
And might keep feftival that day, 
From Gentiles God conceal'd, 
The faving truth to Jews reveal'd. 
This day the Gentiles the glad tidings heard, 
This day, by all the world to be revered. 

A ftar, new, ftrange, and bright, 
Appear'd by day as well as night, 




THE EPIPHANY. 



And with its radiant beam, 
Strove with the fun to be fupreme, 
Which Eaftern Gentiles guefs'd was to forerun 
The wifh'd-for dawn of the Eternal Sun. 

By rays which from it ftream'd, 
One of the morning ftars it feem'd, 
Which from the quire detach'd, 
Was to the folar fphere defpatch'd, 
By the peculiar pointings of its ray, 
To fhew the Gentiles where their Saviour lay. 

Led by the wondrous ftar, 
Three princely fages came from far. 

Who made all Salem ring 
Of their new-born propitious King, 
And the great council Herod calPd agreed, 
That for His birth-place Bethlehem was decreed, 

This day the ftar flood ftill, 
Its rays which brighten'd Bethlehem vill, 1 

Towards the poor ftable veer'd, 
Where God in fwaddling-clothes appear'd : 
The fages entering fell upon the floor, 
The weak Almighty Infant to adore. 

Next to the Infant, they 
Due honour to the Mother pay, 



1 Vill 3 town. 




THE EPIPHANY. 



Then cloths of ftate unfold, 
Which wrapt myrrh, frankincenfe, and gold, 
Thofe they prefented to the Infant's view, 
The nobleft gifts which in their countries grew. 

Ye eaftern fages fay 
When you had travelled a long way 

To feek a King, and faw 
None but an humble Babe on ftraw, 
What moved you for a King that Babe to own, 
Who had a manger only for His throne ? 

Knew you what was of old, 
By Balaam of a ftar foretold, 

Which mould in Jacob rife, 
Whofe beams mould glad their wifhing eyes ? 
Or had fome long tradition reach'd your ear, 
Of a new King to roll the Jewifh fphere ? 

O it was Light Divine, 
Which deign'd into your hearts to mine, 

Which ghoftly clouds difpell'd, 
The flar's effulgence far excell'd ; 
Made you the guilt of human race defcry, 
And long till a Redeemer blefs'd your eye. 



You Mother faw and Child, 
She fweetly yearn'd, He brightly fmiled ; 

None of the blefs'd above, 
E'er had fuch interchange of love. 




55 



THE E PIP HA NT. 



'Twas heavenly glory which the Infant crown'd, 
Dilating His pure Mother to furround. 

You faw her fweet amaze, 
How her full foul o'erilow'd with praife, 

A IaJ* ^ n ^ k° w ner e y es fh e tried 

'Twixt Heaven and Infant to divide ; 
Who taught her love to Heaven the readieftway 
On His reflex of Fontal Godhead's ray. 

Rapt at the Infant's fight, 
You in a dream infpired by night 
Were Salem charged to waive, 
From Herod's rage the Babe to fave, 
And to your lands return'd by fecret roads, 
To fcatter light o'er all your dark abodes. 

By the firft-fruits thus blefs'd, 
Of Gentiles hallow'd were the reft ; 

And foon the fplendour fpread, 
Which the fweet Dove Eternal fhed ; 
'Twas on this happy day the Gentile world 
Firft faw the banner of God's love unfurl'd. 



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No penitential moan 
Should reach this day the Heavenly Throne, 

But mould a tinfture have 
Of joy, for Him who came to fave; 
And His Salvation to extend to all, 
Who o'er the world for mercy to Him call. 




THE EPIPHANY. 



Be gracious God adored, 
Who in pure pity unimplored, 
Would yet the joyful news, 
O'er this my native land diftufe ; 
And whofe Omnifcience, which all perfons fees, 
Defign'd me fhare in His benign decrees. 

Thou, Lord, my plague haft heal'd, 
By faving-truths by Thee reveal'd ; 

While I Thy pardon feel, 
With a compaffionating zeal, 
I beg that darken'd fouls Thy Light may fee, 
And in Thy Goodnefs fhare, which mines on me. 



For ftar my foul to lead, 
Thy holy Word I'll daily read ; 
'Twill mine all o'er my way, 
And mew the right, whene'er I ftray : 
But when I mail approach my Heavenly King, 
I votive gifts, like the wife men, mould bring. 

I'll, Lord, my gold prefent, 
On Thy poor brethren to be fpent ; 

Prayer mail to Thee afpire, 
As frankincenfe fumes up by fire ; 
For uncorrupting myrrh, an heart fincere 
I'll bring, from wilful putrefactions clear. 

Lord, on my gifts though vile, 
Let Thy benignity but fmile, 



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FIRST SUNDAY 



My love mall daily ftrive 
At higher offerings to arrive ; 
And for their daily failings to atone, 
Prefent new hymns to Thy propitious throne. 



FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY. 

His mother kept all thefe fayings in her heart. 
St. Luke ii. 51. 

GOD, Who is pleafed bright Angels down to 
fend, 
On purpofe little children to attend ; 
When bleffed Mary firft drew vital air, 
Entrufted her to a bright feraph's care ; 
The aged Saints, who for a child had pray'd, 
Sang hymns to God when joyful parents made; 
Devoted God's free gift to God alone, 
And more God's child efteem'd her than their own ; 
Her feraph kept her in his fweet embrace, 
No one foul fpirit durfl: approach the place ; 
The Holy Ghoft. His temple in her built, 
Cleanfed from congenial, kept from mortal guilt; 
And from the moment that her blood was fired, 
Into her heart Celeftial Love infpired. 

The babe, when fhe began to fpeak, was taught 
To confecrate to God her tongue and thought, 




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And, prompted by her feraph, took delight 
Continual hallelujahs to recite ; 
Her phylacteries next fhe by degrees 
Had learn'd, and to repeat them on her knees ; 
Thofe which the love of God fincere enjoin'd 
Affected raoft her heaven-enkindled mind : 
When fhe began to read God's holy book, 
In which fhe her initiation took, 
Her foul was with a heavenly manna fed, 
Her fpirit tailed every truth fhe read ; 
And ere fhe faw two weeks of years complete 
She the whole pfalter could by heart repeat ; 
From types, and what the prophefies foretold, 
Which fhe, by Heaven enlighten'd, could unfold, 
She the idea of Meflias drew, 
Pray'd for His advent, kept Him ftill in view ; 
Seven times a-day fhe to her clofet went, 
Her fervent love in fervent prayer to vent ; 
And her unwearied zeal was wont to pray 
By warm ejaculations all the day ; 
She in the depth of her ferene repofe 
At midnight to her folemn office rofe : 
As fhe grew up love daily gain'd new heights, 
And fhe from them began fublimer flights. 
No Angel who e'er human likenefs took 
Had a more chafte, fweet, charming, heavenly look, 
A look, which all at the firft fight revered, 
And while it flruck a facred awe endear'd ; 
Plain, cleanly, and becoming was her drefs, 
Had nothing curious, nothing of excefs ; 



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FIRST SUNDAY 



She idlenefs, the peft of fouls to fhun, 

In intervals of prayer her garments fpun ; 

Soon as herfelf fhe decently array'd, 

She veftments for the poor and naked made ; 

Charity, next to Heaven, abforb'd her care, 

The poor, in every meal (he eat, had mare ; 

Her clofet-meditations moft fublime, 

Where with her God alone fhe fpent her time ; 

Her languors, blefs'd Meffias to behold, 

Spring-tides of Heaven,which o'er her fpirit roll'd ; 

Humility, which all proud thoughts fupprefs'd, 

As if no one perfection fhe poffefs'd, 

Her will transfufed into the will Divine, 

Accuftom'd with God's will to co-incline ; 

Her fan£tity to God's true likenefs grown, 

Her frequent vifits from the glorious throne 

A filent admiration mav create, 

None but her guardian feraph can relate. 

To parents, next to God, fhe reverence paid, 
They fweetly ruled, as fweetly fhe obey'd ; 
She was the fubjecT: of their prayer and praife, 
Their tender nurfe in their declining days ; 
Heaven warn'd them their dear daughter to 

commend 
To reverend Jofeph's care, their ancient friend, 
A faint, who would her puritv protect, 
And treat her with angelical refpecl: ; 
To her dear parents' choice fhe chofe to yield, 
And the efpoufals folemnly were feal'd ; 
Gabriel meanwhile from blifs flew down full-fpeed, 



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To tell her as fhe pray'd that Heaven decreed 
She the Meffias in her v/omb fhould bear, 
Whofe fight had been the fubjecl: of her prayer; 
The boundlefs might of Fontal Love Divine 
The love co-breathed, third of the Glorious Trine, 
On thee defcending fhall thy womb difpofe 
Great filial God incarnate to inclofe ; 
She fcarcely could believe her ears and eyes, 
The menage had fuch rapturous furprife, 
Till Gabriel her affured it was God's will, 
Which 'twas her fole ambition to fulfil; 
And as he back to Heaven his flight began 
In a love tranfport fhe conceived God-man ; 
While Godhead templing in her womb remained, 
What influence from God within fhe gain'd, 
What fuavities, loves, languors, ardours, lights, 
Joys, jubilations, beatific fights, 
What rapts when fhe Magnificats compofed, 
Or when t' Elifa Gabriel's news difclofed, 
Her fpirit fill'd, no poetry can guefs, 
Herfelf could never what fhe felt exprefs. 
Jofeph with jealous eye her change beheld, 
Till a bright Angel all his doubts difpell'd ; 
Then both at Nazareth lived a blifsful life, 
Moft tender hufband, moft fubmiflive wife ; 
Their chaftity was free from fenfual taints, 
Their mutual love pure, as in heavenly Saints ; 
His Angel and her Seraph could not join 
In friendfhip more endearing, more divine. 
When fhe to Bethlehem came that happy morn, 





Her virgin-eyes faw God incarnate born ; 
How high her raptures then began to fwell, 
None but her own omnifcient Son can tell ; 
God- man, who deigns to temple in pure hearts, 
A wondrous love to common faints imparls, 
Gives them of heavenly love foretafting fight, 
To comprehend its length, breadth, depth, and 

height -, 
Much greater love to His dear Mother fhew'd, 
Heaven in fweet deluge on her fpirit flow'd ; 
As Eve when me her fontal fin review'd, 
Wept for herfelf, and all fhe mould include ; 
Blefs'd Mary, with man's Saviour in embrace, 
Joy'd for herfelf, and for all human race -, 
All Saints are by her Son's dear influence blefs'd, 
She kept the very fountain at her breaft j 
The Son adored and nurfed by the fweet maid, 
A thoufand-fold of love for love repaid j 
Saints, who of God have beatific view, 
Such mighty joys peculiar never knew ; 
They to hymn God as vot'ries are employ'd, 
As mother of the God they hymn'd, me joy'd. 

But yet to temper rapturous excels, 
Her joys below were mingled with diftrefs ; 
When fhe a mother, yet a virgin pure, 
Purification legal would endure : 
Simeon, who honour'd was God-man to hold, 
The fivord, which mould the Mother pierce, 

foretold, 
Her Son was born our griefs to undergo, 




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She fweetly fympathifed in all His woe : 
The wound which firft check'd her ecftatic joy, 
Was Herod's plot the Infant to deftroy ; 
But warn'd by Heaven, to Egypt (he took flight, 
God cured that wound by baffling Herod's fpite ; 
Babe, Virgin, Jofeph, when the ftorm was o'er, 
Return'd to Nazareth, where they lived before, 
There humble and obfcure the parents dwelt, 
And of their Son, God-man, the bleflings felt ; 
Above two luftres in fweet peace they fpent, 
Then with their wondrous Son to Salem went ; 
The Virgin there received a fecond wound, 
Which foon was cured when the dear Child they 

found ; 
All three to pleafant Nazareth then retired, 
Where Jofeph in the Virgin's arms expired ; 
God-man Himfelf his abfolution fpake, 
His fpirit long'd its prifon to forfake ; 
Son then and Mother lived exempt from noife, 
Reciprocating heavenly loves and joys. 

Into the world foon as blefs'd Jefus came, 
His mediatory-office to proclaim, 
Blefs'd Mary, who in her reflecting foul 
Took care all Jefu's actions to enroll, 
Who had of fin and Love Divine, a fenfe 
Next to her Son, moft lively, moft intenfe, 
Whenfhe His Love, which finful man redeem'd, 
Saw daily fcorn'd, infulted, and blafphemed, 
The fword pierced daily through her tender heart, 
And fhe of all His forrows felt the fmart ; 




^2322? 





FIRST SUNDAY 



But when fhe on the Crofs beheld God-man, 
Up to the hilt the dol'rous weapon ran. 

Soon as He left His grave her joy revived, 
She from her Son frefh fprings of joy derived; 
To John's dear care fhe by her Son confign'd, 
To his fole manfion her abode confined ; 
The blefs'd above adore their heavenly King, 
Contemplate, love, converfe, rejoice, and fing, 
Thofe were her fole employments day and night, 
Her converfation darted heavenly light ; 
To all the hours of prayer fhe daily came, 
When any cool'd, her zeal refrefh'd their flame ; 
She to Devotion all her time applied, 
She lived as if already glorified ; 
Her love ftill languifh'd for the happy day, 
When to the grave fhe mould refign her clay, 
Exulting when the world fhe was to leave, 
And her divine Viaticum receive, 
Fell fick, and died of an excefs of love, 
Haft'ning to her reflorative above ; 
Heaven with tranfcendent joys her entrance 

graced, 
Next to His throne her Son His Mother placed ; 
And here below, now fhe's of Heaven poflefs'd, 
All generations are to call her blefs'd. 





% 



m 



64 



AFTER EPIPHANY. 



SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY. 

Cbriji-like Love. 

Be kindly affe&ioned one to another with brotherly love; 
in honour preferring one another. — Romans xii. 10. 

AS to myfelf, to be to others kind, 
Jefu, is by Thy Law enjoin' d, 
And how I love myfelf I well 
Can by my own fenfation tell, 
In grief, want, danger, pain, I recoiled 
What love from neighbours I expect, 
By meafuring myfelf I know 
Like love fincere I to all others owe, 

Thou, Jefu, in the Evangelic pair. 
A love much harder doft exa£t, 
That all who Thy true lovers are 
Their love,fhew'd with Thy own, compare, 

That they mould others love to like degree, 
As they themfelves are loved by Thee, 
This feems of love the utmoft height, 

A pitch tranfcending far all human flight. 

Thou, mighty God, out of pure boundlefs love 
Didft leave Thy glorious Throne above 
To fink to flefh, and to fuftain 
Succeffive want, reproach, and pain, 





SECOND SUNDAY 



And after all Thou didft Thyfelf expofe 

To Crucifixion for Thy foes, 

None but God-man fuch love could fhew, 
Such undeferved griefs could undergo. 

But fince Thou, Lord, haft made this Love Divine 
Of cordial love to Thee the fign, 
Since Thou haft thus loved me, I'll ftrive 
From Thee like paflion to derive, 

Love will think nothing grievous, nothing hard, 
While to Thy Love it has regard, 
Love of no fufferings is afraid, 

Which are with beatific Love repaid. 

Lord, fhouldft Thou call me to the ftake to die, 
To fave from hell my enemy, 
O let Thy Love my fpirit fire, 
I'll on the Crofs for love expire, 

While I my foul for love an offering make, 
I'll love to fuffer for Love's fake, 
I'll joy my fufferings are like Thine, 

That I with Thee mail in like glory fhine. 






66 



AFTER EPIPHANY. 



THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY. 

The Saints zuitb "Jefus. 

And I fay unto you, That many (hall come from the 
eaft and weft, and (hall (it down with Abraham, and Ifaac, 
and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. — Matthew viii. n. 

SOUL, when your flefh diflblves to duft, 
To God's fafe Hands yourfelf entruft -, 
Be not too curious to inquire, 

Where to afpire ; 

Whether to Paradife you fly, 

Or in blefs'd Abraham's bofom lie, 

Or to that orb your flight you raife 

Where Enoch {lays ; 

Or to the third celeftial fphere, 
Where wonders Paul was rapt to hear, 
Or Hades blefs'd where fouls elect 

Full blifs expect. 

Secure your Love while here below, 

And dying you'll to Jefus go : 

Paul long'd loved Jefus' face to view, 

For that long you. 




THIRD SUNDAY 



Blefs'd Jefus' boundlefs blifs Divine ; 
In you in miniature will fhine, 
Glory for glory, beam for beam 

Will on you ftream. 

A crown, a throne of God's right Hand, 
Where Saints their robes of ray expand, 
Where Saints are kings, and on their ftate 

High Angels wait. 

Such bleflings on the Saints attend, 
When Jefus-like they Heaven afcend, 
The Lamb,, of joys the boundlefs fpring, 

They'll ever fing. 

Death our fore-runner is, and guides 
To Sion, where the Lamb abides, 
There Saints enjoy ecftatic reft 

In manfions bleft. 

Death, I well know, that ev'ry day 
Wife Providence appoints your way, 
Your thirft for blood would flay mankind, 

If not confined. 

I long to reach the Lamb's dear fight, 
Be fure to hit my vitals right, 
Left life half left prolongs my days 

And blifs delays. 




AFTER EPIPHANY. 



FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY. 



Omnipotence. 



But the men marvelled, faying, What manner of man 
is this, that even the winds and the lea obey him ! 

Matthew viii. 27. 

MY God, 'tis by Thy fweet fupports, 
I offer Thee rny laft efforts ; 
In my declining painful years, 
Thy gracious aid my fpirit cheers ; 
Hymns on Thy Power benign I'll ftill compofe, 
From which my power to love and hymn Thee 
rofe. 

I humbly, Lord, adore Thy Might, 

With Deity co-infinite ; 

Nothing's impoilible to Thee, 

Unlefs uncapable to be ; 
Which either contradiction pure implies, 
Or cannot with Thy nature harmonize. 

Thy Power could out of Nothing rear 
Earth, ocean, the celeftial fphere, 
And pafs the boundlefs gulf betwixt 
Eternal Nought and Being fix'd ; 
Thy Power immenfe, which could on Nothing 

a a, 

Could, with like eafe, unnumber'd worlds 
extracT:. 




FOURTH SUNDAY 



:^> 



Thou, Lord, didft fpeak when Nothingheard, 
And inftantly a world appear'd ; 
To all things Thou didft fpace divide, 
In minutes Time began to glide ; 

O wondrous Power, which all things out of 
Nought, 

By but a word, in beauteous order brought. 

When all things, with coeval Light, 
Were form'd by Thy Ideas bright ; 
All joy'd their Being to commence, 
Nought could infult Omnipotence ; 

When Thy Almighty Word its effluence made, 

Obediential chaos ne'er gainfaid. 

But when Thou hadft fall'n man in view, 

And Thy lapfed creature wouldft renew, 

A thoufand oppofitions rofe, 

That new Creation to oppofe ; 
Concupifcence, the World and Hell combined, 
To grieve, to outrage Goodnefs unconfined. 

Thy mighty Love would then redeem 
The objects of Thy hate extreme, 
And fent God Filial from on high, 
For finners on the Crofs to die ; 
Thy Love was more omnipotent to fave, 
Than Thy creative power, which Being gave. 

Since Angels, men, and all below, 
To Thy fole Word exiftence owe ; 




AFTER EPIPHANY. 



Saints, in the mofl afflictive hour, 
Recumb on Thy propitious power ; 
Thou, Who the world didft by Thy Word create, 
Canft refcue from the moft minacious 1 fate. 

All things from Thee, which Being took, 
Thy Omniprefent Eyes o'erlook ; 
Thy Power o'er Heaven and Earth prefides, 
All things controls, fupports and guides ; 

Since all events Thy Power, wife, gracious, 
fteers, 

Thy lovers live exempt from fervile fears. 

O happy fouls, who in diftrefs 

Have to Omnipotence accefs ; 

No Faithful ever pray in vain, 

Their prayers Almighty fuccours gain ; 
Omnipotence with Goodnefs ftill is join'd, 
Both to foft pity always are inclined. 

Lord, the fame Power which faints fuftains, 
Inflicts on rebels endlefs pains ; ; 
Thy Power is by Thy Juftice fway'd, 
And fin is with due plagues repay'd ; 
O may I ne'er that awful Power difpleafe, 
Which keeps of endlefs Life and Death the keys ! 

Thy friend was, Lord, to walk enjoin'd, 
With Thy Omnipotence in mind, 



Minacious, full of terror. 




7i 




FOURTH SUNDAY 



To keep, in every ftep he trod, 

A reverential fight of God ; 
May dread of the Almighty's Prefence reft, 
Each ftep I take, imprinted on my breaft. 

By miracles which Jefus wrought, 
God-man His Power Almighty taught ; 
Faith to that gracious Might refign'd, 
No dolorous Martyrdom declined ; 

The world no bleffing knows, which can in 
need, 

Companionate Omnipotence exceed. 



King David on Thy Power relied, 
And, fingle, num'rous hofts defied ; 
When Death with all his terrors tries 
The Saints to frighten or furprife, 
They him, difarm'd of deadly fting, outbrave, 
Affured Thy Power will raife them from the 
grave. 

Should devils a Saint's woe confpire, 
With fpite as raging as their fire; 
With them fhould all fierce Nerods meet, 
Inflamed with their infernal heat ; 
And quintefcential torturing pains compound, 
They might a Saint afflict, but not confound. 

Firm truft in God would him fecure, 
Amidft his pains of Triumph fure ; 



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9: 



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AFTER EPIPHANY. 



His Heavenly Crown he'd keep in view. 
His patience would their rage outdo ; 

vain efforts, the world and Tophet make, 
Souls fhelter'd in Almighty Arms to make. 

To the Omnipotent, Who reigns, 
I offer up my humble ftrains ; 
With Saints I to the Heavenly King 
My Hallelujahs ftrive to fing; 
When from frail flem I take fupernal flight, 

1 God mall hymn, at the celeftial height. 



FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY. 

Matthew xiii. 24-30. 

LORD 'tis not in Thy Church alone, 
That tares among good corn are fown ; 
Satan our hearts to difcompofe, 

His tares there fows. 
Soon as the amiable Dove 
Shed in our hearts celeftial Love ; 
And our clear'd heaven-ere£ted eyes 
This world defpife ; 

Soon as our powers begin to feel 
The fuavities of heavenly zeal, 
And ftand propending to obey 
Love's gentle fway : 




73 



afe 



FIFTH SUNDAY 



Satan his force and wiles collects, 
Loofe thoughts into our fouls injects, 
Which our imaginations lure 
To loves impure. 

Thy Word, Lord, in this life declares, 
That corn will mingled be with tares, 
Thou feparation doft delay 
Till Judgment Day. 

My God, let neither tares nor weeds, 
Choke in my foul Thy heavenly feeds, 
Keep Lord, what Thou Thyfelf doft fow, 
From the curfed foe. 

From the curfed foe, for in my heart 
'Tis he would fain ufurp a part, 
But I to Thee my heart refign, 
Keep what is Thine. 

My Love mall Satan's fpite oppofe, 
And if in me his tares he fows, 
May he at Judgment bear the blame, 
I them difclaim. 

Tares in the hearts of Saints remain, 
Foils to the true and beauteous grain, 
For Love they trials are defign'd 
In fouls refined. 

Our birth propenfion fenfual fows 
To wilful fin, which cherifh'd grows ; 
We all our life muft. God invoke, 
That growth to choke. 




m 



JFTER EPIPHANY. 



To all the daughters of lapfed Eve, 
Eve-like concupifcences cleave, 
And 'tis by power of Grace Divine, 
We them confine. 

Grace, which all votaries' wants fupplies, 
Which God to no weak foul denies, 
Strengthening the fraileft to repel, 
The powers of hell. 

Live fatisfied to be fincere, 
Infirmities you'll fuffer here, 
None to perfection can attain, 
Till Heaven they gain. 

Lord, fow Love in our fpirits deep, 
That each a daily crop may reap, 
To Thee a harveft every day, 
Of Love to pay. 



SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY. 

The Trumpet. 

And he fhall fend his angels with a great found of a 
trumpet, and they fhall gather together his ele& from the 
four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. 

Matthew xxiv. 31. 

IN univerfal dread I waked, 
Each atom in me quaked, 
Tremendous founds, methought, hung in my ear, 
Which fhook the circumambient fphere, 




75 



SIXTH SUNDAY 



Methought it reach'd to hell, 
Where all the frighted fiends a trembling fell. 

I ftarting, to my Guardian fay, 
Sure 'tis the Judgment Day, 
Woe, woe, is me, my foul is unprepared, 
I am unutterably feared ; 
O for one minute more, 
In which I may my numerous fins deplore ! 

To God fend penitential cries ; 
My Guardian then replies, 
God gives you time your wanderings to lament, 
Which mould upon your knees be fpent : 
What found I then re-join' d 
Is that, which with this horror ftrikes my mind? 

I faw, my Guardian faid, this night 
An Angel in his flight, 
One of the feven, who at God's Throne of State 
With their celefiial trumpets wait, 
Him I in darted thought, 
To reft himfelf a while with me befought. 

He mildly yields, I him embrace, 
And as he took his place, 
I faw his trumpet hang between his wings, 
As we difcourfed of heavenly things, 
And his right hand contain'd 
Seven thunder-bolts, for fome curfed land 
ordain'd. 





Ah me ! faid I, how is mankind, 
Turn'd deaf, dumb, ftupid, blind ! 
To the furprife of death and endlefs woes, 
Each moment they themfelves expofe ; 
This foul I tender here, 
1 rarely make my warnings to revere. 

I long my pupil to fecure, 

And keep him Chrift-like pure, 
O lift your radiant trumpet to your head, 
Sound in the key which wakes the dead, 
Sound fingly to his ear ; 
Wake all ye dead, at Judgment to appear. 

The Angel with my wifh confpired, 
Sounding what I defired, 
But much more dreadful, more furprifing found 
Will through the hollow graves rebound, 
When the laft trump begins 
To fummon fouls to Judgment for their fins. 

I thanks to my good Angel paid, 
The warning duly weigh'd, 
The found continues lively in my mind, 
And when to ill I am inclined, 
The trumpet I recall, 
To keep me watchful, and prevent my fall. 




77 



SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY. 



SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY. 



7 



Juftice. 

But he anfwered one of them, and faid, Friend, I do 
thee no wrong : didft not thou agree with me for a penny? 

Matthew xx. 13. 

THY Juftice, Lord, my fong excites, 
Which guilty fpirits frights ; 
As guardian it Thy Love attends, 
Thy Goodnefs it defends ; 
Men would Thy Love defpife, 
Hadft Thou not awful Juftice to chaftife. 

Ah had we innocence retain'd, 

Love o'er our powers had reign'd ; 
Love which our fouls to God had fway'd, 
God had with love repaid ; 
Reciprocations dear, 
Had made this world a beatific fphere. 

O curfed fin ! provoking God, 

To His avenging rod ; 
Which fet juft jealous God on flame, 

To vindicate His Name ; 

Yet in God's Juftice we 
Benignities ftill tempering terror fee. 

Meek Mofes faw with happy eye, 
Thy Goodnefs palling by ; 




7* 



SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY. 

Thy Goodnefs, Lord, was firft proclaim'd, 

Next that Thy Juftice named ; 
Both amicably join'd, 
But the firft place to Goodnefs was aflign'd. 

Thy Wifdom with Thy Juftice fides, 
And Thy vaft empire guides ; 

Nothing unworthy thence can flow, 
On finners here below ; 

Thou never couldft create, 
A Creature purpofely to damn and hate. 

Our being from Thy Goodnefs ftreams, 

Suftain'd by gracious beams ; 
And 'tis Thy Will we mould love Thee, 

With love entire and free ; 
But we, propenfe to ill, 
Crofs the juft native purpofe of Thy Will. 

Thou, Lord, rebellious man to fave, 
Wouldft Thy dominion waive ; 

A covenant Thou didft begin, 
To refcue him from fin ; 
By powerful hope, and fear, 
Hell to embitter, glory to endear. 

Thy Juftice which conftrains Thy Will, 
Thy Promife to fulfil ; 

Creates condecencies as ftricl:, 
Woes threaten'd to inflict ; 
Thou, Lord, in both art true, 
The faint and finner both fhall have their due. 




//// / ( ( i \\\^\ 



79 




M 



SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY. 



When Tinners boundlefs Love repel, 

'Gainft gracious God rebel ; 
For things vain, hurtful, tranfient, ill, 

Which in fruition kill ; 

When they make God fo cheap, 
'Tisjuft they of their crimes the fruits mould reap. 

Though, Lord, Thy diftributions here, 

Oft clouded may appear ; 
And we into Thy conduct ftrive, 

In vain, by guefs, to dive ; 

At the all-clearing Day, 
Thy Juftice will emit unblemifh'd ray. 

No damned wretch mall then complain, 

Of undeferved pain ; 
Thy Juftice will abatements make, 

For frailty and miftake ; 

Thy ears will open be, 
To hear the leaft commiferable plea. 

Each guilty and upbraiding breaft, 

Shall their juft doom atteft ; 
And as they into hell are thrown, 

Their curfed option own ; 

'Twill be their torturing woe, 
That to themfelves they their damnation owe. 



: $t 



Thy punifhment fhall finners grieve, 
While chaftening Saints receive 



(^ £jm^ 




SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY. 



That, from efTential juftice flows, 
This, love paternal mows ; 
For poifon that's defign'd, 
For medicine this to cure a fickly mind. 

To none, juft God, Thou partial art, 

Thy favourite is the heart ; 
All who to Thee whole hearts direct, 
Thou wilt pronounce eledt. ; 
They'll urge no dark decree, 
But plead prayers, tears, and Jefus on the Tree. 

Saints at the Day which finners dread 
With joy fhall raife their head ; 

They'll Jefus fee enthroned on high, 
Who would to fave them die ; 
He, Who their nature bore, 
Will mildly judge the failings they deplore. 

We, Lord, Thy juftice plainly read, 
When common death we heed ; 

It is of fin the wages due, 
Drawn from the fontal two ; 
Though death I muft endure, 
From fin, which gives its fting, my foul fecure. 

May I in view of the great Day, 

My fins diftindUy weigh ; 
On all efforts of worldly luft, 




$ 




SEXAGESIMA SUNDAY. 



Pafs condemnation juft ; 
Before the Judge enthroned, 
Plead my guilt, felf-condemn'd and ftain-be- 
moan'd. 

All praife to God Who joys and woes 

Will in juft lots difpofe ; 
Whofe juftice, mining in true light, 

Will faints to hymn excite ; 

O then, with confcience clear, 
May I my joyful Abfolution hear ! 



^ 



SEXAGESIMA SUNDAY. 



If I muft needs glory, I will glory of the things which 
concern mine infirmities. — 2 Cor. xi. 30. 

FRIEND, for my pain your moan forbear, 
It comes from God's paternal care ; 
From pain I ghoftly health derive, 
It is my foul's reftorative. 

When you obferve a father mild 
Correct his dear beloved child, 
You fee the yearnings he betrays, 
At each foft ftripe he on him lays. 

If fathers here, who fons chaftife, 
Thus with their children fympathize, 




QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY. 

Thence eftimate the boundlefs Love 
In our blefs'd Father, God above. 

All loves paternal here below, 
From Fontal Love Paternal flow ; 
If finite nature is thus kind, 
What is the Love that's unconfined ? 

You by the rills the fource may guefs, 
You'll then lefs pity my diftrefs ; 
Love Infinite my medicine fends, 
And nothing but pure love intends. 

Let Love immenfe His work fulfil, 
My pains inftru&ive cure my will ; 
Love faw me cool, I by His rod 
Shall re-enamour'd be of God. 



QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY. 

Though Ifpeakwith the tongues of men and of angels, 
and have not charity, I am become as founding brafs, or a 
tinkling cymbal. — i Cor. xiii. i. 

ALL praife to Thee, great God, we owe, 
To Thee, from Whofe infpirings flow 
Our fouls immortal, unconfined, 
For Heaven defign'd. 




QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY. 

In vain, though like the Seraphs bright 
Should be our intellectual light, 
Shouldft not Thou with that light inftill 
Unbounded will. 

Will, which all other powers tranfcends, 
By native weight to Thee propends ; 
And, when propenfion is entire, 
'Tis love on fire. 

Love, O my God, my foul efteems 
The deareft of Thy gracious beams, 
Saints no delight in life would take 
But for love's fake. 

Thou boundlefsly enamouring fenfe 
Haft of Thy lovelinefs immenfe ; 
And fouls who at love boundlefs aim 
Have God-like flame. 

Thy Beauties (een obfcurely here, 
Our fouls tranfportingly endear : 
In the attraclives all combine 
Of Love Divine. 

Soft yearnings of a Father mild, 
On His loft miferable child. 
God-man Who fuffer'd pangs extreme, 
Foes to redeem. 

The hoverings of thegracious Dove, 
To fire, and fuel Heavenly Love, 




H 



^mmum 




QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY. 

Rewards, which utmoft thought exceed, 
For love decreed. 

Love was God's native, prime defign, 
In mutual love with fouls to join : 
But God and fouls fin difunites, 
And hate excites. 

O helplefs ! O tremendous ftate 
Of fouls, who God all lovely hate ; 
By like averfion angels fell, 
To people hell. 

To love Thee, Lord, fure human-kind 
Need not by Thee to be injoin'd : 
All who Thy Love but dimly know 
Muft lovers grow. 

Rewards, attractives, object, aid, 
Love irrefiftibly perfuade ; 
Yet Love to raife a gentle awe 
Became a law. 

Of laws, the deareft and the beft, 
The happinefs of fpirits blefs'd : 
Saints here thofe hours they fpend in love 
Tafte joys above. 

That I ihould love Thee is Thy Will, 
Which I live longing to fulfil ; 
Since, Lord, in love we both confpire, 
Keep bright the fire. 



Ta 




few 



ASH WEDNESDAY. 



Fire, which with fuch fweet force may burn, 
That even my afhes in my urn 
Towards Thee may, till the day of doom, 
Like incenfe fume. 



ASH WEDNESDAY. 

HARK, O my foul, the trumpet blows, 
The found each mind confiderate knows 
It is a grave and folemn note, 
Fit ferious paffion to promote ; 
It warns the faithful to repair 
Devoutly to the houfe of prayer. 

The found, methinks, comes from on high, 
My foul, toward Heaven erecl your eye; 
Soon as my eye towards Heaven I rear'd, 
A Woman in the air appear'd, 
A comelier face I never faw, 
She ftruck fweet reverential awe. 

She came through the ethereal globe, 
Array'd in a long, mourning robe, 
On a thick cloud her ftand me took, 
And all the world could overlook, 
Down her Archangel with her flew, 
And it was he the trumpet blew. 

Up then I faw the Angel take 
His fpeaking-trump, dull fouls to wake, 




ASH WEDNESDAY. 



Then founded, To the Church give ear, 
Whom God commands all fouls to hear. 
When Holy Church I knew, I guefs'd 
What made her change that day her veft. 

Her mantle was the fun till now, 
A crown of ftars adorn' d her brow ; 
But off her glories all were thrown, 
When fhe was clothed for facred moan, 
The darkeft folar fpot fhe chofe, 
Which mould her goodly form enclofe. 

The faints their Mother all revered, 
The Angel ftraight the medium clear'd, 
His wings away the vapours fwept, 
Left they her voice mould intercept, 
To fouls below me thus addrefs'd, 
While tears ran down her mourning veft. 

Dear children, whom with pain I bore 
To people Heaven, and God adore, 
I grieve to fee the ghoftly foes 
Who your eternal blifs oppofe, 
How you to damn yourfelves combine, 
And hourly dare the wrath Divine. 

My tender bowels towards you yearn, 
While your fad dangers I difcern ; 
I oft, your ruin to prevent, 
Gave you loud warnings to repent ; 
But you at nought my warnings fet, 
Or heed them not, or foon forget. 



£m. 




ASH WEDNESDAY. 



To make you heed, and to retain 
Repentance, which prevents your bane, 
I folemn, annual fafts enjoin'd, 
For you reftoratives defign'd ; 
But my injunctions you reject, 
And fick of guilt, your cure neglect. 

How have hell-powers their empire fpread ! 
How are my children captive led ! 
Ah me ! their arms they throw away ! 
Did they devoutly faft and pray, 
Should all apoftate ghofts unite, 
One faint would all to Tophet fright. 

Jews kept of fafts a yearly round, 
Though by no heavenly precept bound ; 
God no command for fafts would lay 
But on their Expiation-day; 
In fin you daily perfevere, 
Which you fhould expiate all the year. 

Your nature, when you fufFer woes, 
Of courfe your ufual meals foregoes ; 
Did you for fin but truly grieve, 
Though you (hould no command receive, 
You falling would efteem a rite 
Con-natural to hearts contrite. 



Your Kalendars for fafts prefent 
Rogation, Vigil, Ember, Lent, 




ASH WEDNESDAY. 



J: 



While you to keep thofe names contend, 
Licentious guides loofe volumes vend, 
Their real fubftance to evade, 
And have their force fruftraneous made. 

Ah ! had you them devoutly kept, 
For your own provocations wept, 
And public guilt on them bemoan'd, 
You then God's anger had atoned, 
You had the growth of fin reftrain'd, 
And penitential zeal maintain'd. 

All my firft-born, with facred heat, 
Their Stations weekly would repeat, 
The more they curfed fin bewail'd, 
The more celeftial truth prevail'd. 
But now, alas ! throughout the year 
I few can find who fhed a tear. 

On public fafts faints heretofore 
Were wont tranfgreffions to deplore, 
Thofe facred days they ne'er ordain'd, 
But fignal benedictions gain'd ; 
Read the memoirs of ages paft, 
They conquer'd by their prayer and faft. 

O'er Benjamites Faft got the day, 
O'er Philiftines and hofts of Ai, 
Made Moab and proud Ammon bleed, 
All Ifrael from mafTacre freed, 
And to repent great God inclined 
Of plagues for Nineveh defign'd. 



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ASH WEDNESDAY. 



When they the public guilt confefs'd, 
Sackcloth with afhes was their veft ; 
They fadly mourn'd, their garments tore, 
Fell proftrate, mercy to implore, 
Earth was the covering of their head, 
As if unworthy earth to tread. 

Their fouls they with afflicting pain'd, 
E'en from fair water they abftain'd ; 
The breafts to infants were denied, 
The beafts were up from pafture tied, 
Whole nights and days their hearts they rent. 
In penitential rigour fpent. 

If Jews 'gainft fin fuch zeal exprefs'd, 
Much more fhould Chriftians it deteft, 
Like motives in you both confpire, 
Like fins, and like impending ire, 
Like ghoftly, and like temporal ills, 
Like worldly minds, and fenfual wills. 

In public guilt you both partake, 
Both God, the Source of Good, forfake ; 
Yet on both ftates while I reflecT:, 
In you I greater guilt detect ; 
You 'gainft the greater light rebel, 
Your grief mould Jewifh far excel. 

Your fins contribute to fill up 
Of God's dire wrath the bitter cup, 
And to the part of guilt you bear, 
Proportion'd draughts will be your fhare ; 







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90 



ASH WEDNESDAY. 



But mourners by God's Angel fign'd, 
Midft thunder-bolts mall fafety find. 

My watchmen all my lines around, 
Should on this day their trumpets found, 
If to fit filent they prefumed, 
They'll for your blood to flames be doom'd j 
If you neglect them when they blow, 
On your own heads will fall the woe. 

You, deareft faints, who fympathize 
With all the tears which wafte mine eyes, 
Aflift my grief while I bemoan 
All outrage 'gainft Jehovah's Throne, 
And o'er your land with forrow deep, 
Like Jefus o'er the city, weep. 

Of fin you'll have the livelier fenfe, 
If fafts in fecret you commence. 
Blefs'd Jefus, in devout retreat, 
Full forty days abftain'd from meat ; 
There He devout, ideal Lent, 
In prayer and contemplation fpent. 

Should you from Jefus kindle flame, 
And now at like retirement aim, 
With humble fairs, prayer, alms and tear, 
Though mix'd with frailties, yet fincere, 
A penitential Sabbath keep, 
Heaven on your heads would bleffings heap. 




9 1 



FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT. 



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Your fouls from drofs you would refine, 
To copy purity Divine, 
When the laft trump ihall wake the dead, 
You'll then exulting raife your head ; 
And when at Judgment you appear, 
Joy you obey'd the trumpet here. 

This faid, the Church to Heaven reflew, 
I keep her ftill in ghoftly view. 
All praife to God, whofe trumpets found 
To waken fouls from fleep profound ; 
O, may I all God's warnings take, 
And, raifed from fin, die broad awake ! 



FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT. 

The Temptation. 

Then was Jefus led up of the fpirit into the wildernefs 
to be tempted of the devil. — Matthew iv. i. 

BLESS'D Spirit, who the woman's Offspring 
led 
Into the wild, to bruife the ferpent's head, 
Help me in facred numbers to recite 
His glorious conqueft, and the tempter's flight. 

Soon as great God amidft clear Jordan's wave, 
To His loved Son His atteftation gave, 
The Holy Spirit His retreat infpired, 
And Jefus to the wildernefs retired, 




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There to encounter the full power of hell, 
And teach mankind temptations to repel ; 
Curfed Satan then, alarm'd with fpiteful fear, 
Flew fwiftly to the Luciferian fphere, 
With the archrebel mifchief to invent, 
Who inftantly applauded his intent ; 
And Lucifer, at Satan's dire requeft, 
The fall'n archangels, who whole realms infeft, 
Call'd from their feveral ftations to his aid, 
And three mock-thunders were the fignal made. 
In a fhort time when the abaddons came, 
Satan thus ftrove their fury to inflame. 

Great Lucifer, and brave abaddons all, 
Advanced to govern kingdoms fince our fall ; 
You the man Jefus know, that hateful Name, 
Who dares a war againft hell's powers proclaim : 
Man I muft ftyle Him, for He feems no more, 
Both He and Adam feem of equal ore ; 
If man, He to temptation open lies, 
I Him, as well as Adam, may furprife ; 
Yet fomething more than Adam, I fufpe£t, 
When on fome ill abodings I reflect ; 
Dark prophecies predict our falling ftate, 
The wonders at His birth fome dread create, 
His Baptifm, and the bright appearance there, 
Affright our realm with a tremendous glare. 
Yet to fit ftill would be eternal fhame. 
And we too late our cowardice may blame ; 
Lend me your help, I'll to confound Him try, 




93 



FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT. 



I'll with this Son of God for conqueft vie : 
You muft in the encounter me attend, 
Though I fhall more on wile than force depend. 
I faw Him in the wafte alone abide ; 
And we can mufter thoufands on our fide. 
Come all well arm'd, and keep me in your eye; 
In ambufcado, till I call you, lie. 
There is a mount, which you remember well, 
Which none of Jury's hills in height excel, 
If by fmooth guile the wretch I cannot court, 
This Son of God I thither will tranfport ; 
You muft all fubterraneous fires foment, 
Of all effluviums quicken the afcent ; 
The exhalations which earth's moifture drain, 
All vapours ftreaming from the fpacious main, 
And fpirits which from fubtler bodies rife 
In that horizon artfully comprife ; 
From various tinclures various colours mix, 
Such as may in the cloud furrounding fix ; 
Each, dipping in the paint his taper'd fpear, 
Muft draw his proper kingdom on the fphere, 
And all its glories to the life defcribe, 
That at one view the eye may all imbibe, 
Thrones, fceptres, crowns, gems, robes, wealth, 

power immenfe, 
Lafcivious beauties, all that charms the fenfe ; 
I'll offer all, His conftancy to fhake, 
If He's a mortal man, the bait will take ; 
If take, we fhall on God revenge our doom, 
And boldly may on nobler aims prefume. 




9+ 



1 



■m 



FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT. 



I'll watch the lucky moment for aflault, 
This Son of God to Satan fhall revolt. 
With that each flew to his appointed poft, 
While he patroll'd along the fandy coaft. 

While God incarnate in the defert ftay'd, 
The fierceft beafts their homage to Him pay'd ; 
Beafts more humane than the obdurate Jew, 
They with lefs favage fury men purfue ; 
There He His hours in contemplation fpent, 
Gave His unbounded Spirit boundlefs vent. 
The fiend, whofe malice could endure no reft, 
Strives thoughts impatient, impious to fuggeft ; 
Putting his hellifh malice on the rack, 
Twice twenty days he plied the fierce attack, 
That he at laft might overwhelm His ftrength, 
By number, importunity, and length ; 
But Jefus fix'd on Heaven His fteady mind, 
And no fuggeftion there could entrance find ; 
The Father with pleafed eyes His Son beheld, 
Saw Satan by the woman's Seed repell'd ; 
Till, after forty days' continued faft, 
He to keen hunger condefcends at laft. 

The watchful tempter foon the hunger knew, 
And up to air in twice three minutes flew, 
Where he of brighteft lightning wove a veft, 
And his foul fpirit in feign'd glory dreft ; 
Mock-thunderbolt in his right hand he grafp'd, 
His left, a flaming, dazzling fceptre clafp'd ; 




95 



FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT. 



A crown of meteor-ftars adorn'd his head, 

All calculated for exciting dread -, 

Then on the ftream of a tempeftuous wind, 

He flew to a£t the malice he defign'd ; 

His voyage at the locuft-tree he clofed, 

Where Jefus in the barren wild repofed ; 

Son of that God, faid he, above enthroned, 

While I fole God am of this region own'd, 

Upon the mountain I to Mofes fpoke, 

The fphere was then fill'd all with fire and fmoke ; 

But I to you defcend in kindly flame, 

Your welcome to my empire to proclaim ; 

Your hunger fome mortality betrays, 

Which yet your power can eafeunnumber'd ways; 

Command thefe ftones to turn to bread ; that fign 

Will witnefs your original Divine. 

Man beft, faid Jefus, by God's Word is fed, 

And lives not merely by his daily bread. 

Then to the Temple battlement, through air, 
The fiend wafts Jefus, Jefus to enfnare ; 
God, faid he, charge upon His angels lays 
To keep your feet unhurt in ftony ways, 
Caft yourfelf down, the angels in their arms 



Will catch 



you 



falling, and fecure from harms. 



The facred writings, Jefus faid, declare, 

To tempt the Lord thy God, thou malt not dare. 



Thence Jefus to the mountain he conveys, 
And all his confluence of charms difplays ; 



65SS3^ 




FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT. 



All that could ravifh, tempt, delight mankind, 

Was there in lively images combined. 

You, faid the fiend, the Lord of all mail be, 

If you but proftrate fall and worfhip me ; 

For all this lower univerfe is mine, 

I to beftow it have the right divine. 

Let me ceafe to be god, if I delay 

To give you over all defpotic fway. 

Get thee behind me Satan, Chrift replied, 

Thou by God's Word art as His creature tied ; 

The Lord thy God to worfhip, Him to own, 

And pay obeifance to His fovereign throne. 

The fiend, who heard himfelf by Jefus named, 

Confounded was, but could not be afhamed ; 

And raving at difcovery of his cheats^ 

As towards his ambufcado he retreats, 

He Michael met, with the angelic bands, 

Who lay encamp'd upon the defert fands, 

All arm'd, at call their Lord to have relieved, 

Had they not His victorious might perceived. 

Bright Michael, left proud Satan mould efcape, 

Seized the fiend flying, tore his glittering fhape ; 

Satan affirmed his horrid form again, 

And Michael bound him with a double chain, 

Sent him to the abaddons' ambufcade, 

His feeble fpite to punifh and upbraid. 

The radiant hoft put them in dreadful fright, 

They felt their ftrength in the angelic fight ; 

All were juft taking wing, when Satan came 

In chains, and ftripp'd of his preftigious flame ; 




97 



FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT. 



All vow'd of pains he fhould have Tophet's ftore, 
And, what would grieve him moil, fhould tempt 
no more. 

Brave Michael and his hoft to Jefus hafte, 
And brighten'd with their wings the difmal wafte. 
Soon as they Jefus faw, they Him furround, 
And fell in low proftrations on the ground ; 
The feraphs fang a new triumphant fong, 
And to their harps fang all the radiant throng, 
With loud Hofannahs they each ftanza clofed, 
And to obey His orders ftood difpofed ; 
Our Lord their zeal approved with gracious eye, 
And fent them to refume their blifs on high. 

Though Jefus in the wild had nought to eat, 
To do His Father's pleafure was His meat, 
And a return He to the world defign'd, 
To perfect: the Redemption of mankind ; 
There He vouchfafed His mortal food to take, 
And fuffer human frailty for man's fake. 
Blefs'd Jefus, to the lonely wafte retired, 
Ere to His charge prophetic He afpired ; 
And faints, ere they on public pofts attend, 
Choice hours in prayer, retreat, and fafting fpend. 
Writ Sacred for His magazine He chofe, 
Hell better to unmafk and to oppofe ; 
He of God's Prefence taught a conftant awe, 
From Satan with abhorrence to withdraw, 
That he with zeal refifted, always flies, 
Can conquer none, who this vain world defpife ; 




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SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT. 

That all in aid Divine mould acquiefce, 
Diftrufting neither fuccour nor fuccefs : 
For daily food take no unlicenfed way, 
Beft feafted, when they beft God's Will obey : 
By no rafh acts God's promife to abufe, 
And by prefumptuous pride the bleffing lofe : 
That fierceft fights fhew virtues moft fublime, 
Like Jefus to be tempted is no crime ; 
That when curfed Satan feems to be fubdued, 
Souls his return by watching muft preclude ; 
That angels ever take a lover's part, 
And help him to repel each fiery dart ; 
That Jefus Satan of his force bereft, 
And conqueft eafy to His votaries left. 

All glory to God's Son, whofe humble might 
Taught feeble man vi&orioufly to fight. 
Glory to Jefus all the quire repeats, 
Who the full force and fraud of hell defeats. 



5ft 



SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT. 

Furthermore then we befeech you, brethren, and exhort 
you by the Lord Jefus, that as ye have received of us how 
ye ought to walk and to pleafe God, fo ye would abound 
more and more. — i Tkefs. iv. i. 

WE, like the fly, muft from the world retreat, 
And wifely manage our fhort vital heat -, 
What is our life but a repeated day ? 




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SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT. 

We quickly pafs our noon, and wafte away ; 

We daily the like gholtly dangers meet, 

We the fame duties every day repeat : 

Strive that this day may yefterday out-do, 

Of virtue nobler heights each day purfue ; 

God to the prefent day our view confined, 

Would have us for the future live refign'd ; 

Taught us to pray for only daily bread, 

And truft on Him to be to-morrow fed. 

Lord, daily bread, but love perpetual give, 

Without Thy love we can no minute live ; 

We'll to the prefent day our cares confign 

And live in reverence of the Eye Divine : 

We may our flocks afliduoufly infpect, 

With minds to Heaven habitually erecl ; 

Each day we from the world as loofe mould fit, 

As if allured the world at night to quit : 

Accounts with Heaven we'll daily even keep, 

Should the laft trump furprize us in our fleep 

But death can truly fudden be to none, 

Who by repentance daily God atone. 

We'll live God's children, and, to God refign'd, 

A brother and a filler to mankind. 

We'll to our fly give freedom, that he may 

Live his age o'er with happinefs to-day; 

He with his lot was in the garden pleafed, 

Till you the well-contented creature feized ; 

From him each day we'll learn to live content 

Upon the daily manna God has fent ; 

With thanks to God we'll now our meal begin ; 




THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT. 



Sweet is the meal which is not four'd by fin ; 
Sweet is the meal which wafted ftrength recruits, 
That God may of our vigour have the fruits ; 
Sweet is the meal, when as our body's fed, 
Our fpirit hungers for fupernal bread; 
This day to future days fhall be the plan, 
We'll every day do all the good we can : 
By God's fweet aid no minutes we'll miflpend, 
On thefe time-drops eternal joys depend. 
A thoufand years to God is but a day, 
Eternity of love feels no decay. 
We'll ftrive to imitate our God above, 
And live each day a thoufand years of love. 



THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT. 

And it came to pafs, as He fpake theie things, a certain 
woman of the company lifted up her voice, and faid unto 
Him, Biefled is the womb that bare thee, and the paps 
which thou haft lucked. — Luke xi. 27. 

OF all who e'er, with heart unfeign'd, 
Kept virgin-love for God unftain'd, 
Propending to no ill, 
With full confent of will, 
Blefs'd Mary far excell'd, 
Who all rebellious paffions quell'd. 

She Jefus in her womb inclofed, 

There thrice three months the Babe repofed, 




THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT. 



Then, from His prifon loofed, 
His morning beams diffufed ; 
But in her heavenly mind 
God-man for ever was enfhrined. 



God-man His Mother pure revered, 
And with a thoufand loves endear'd ; 
She form'd Him in her breaft, 
By that more nobly bleft, 
Than while her womb Him bore, 
As Saint than Mother honour'd more. 

She, fuper-effluently graced, 
Away the powers infernal chafed, 

Her heart with God was fill'd, 
No thought could be inftill'd, 
Her innocence to foil, 
But her chafte fpirit would recoil. 

In reading, meditation, praife, 
Prayer, charity, fhe fpent her days ; 
Ne'er in the world immerfed, 
With her dear Son converfed, 
His beams to recollect, 
And in love-languors to reflect. 

Her heart blefs'd Jefus' ark fhe made, 
Where He His lovelinefs difplay'd, 

Where love and hymn mould wait 

On majeftatic ftate, — 





THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT. 



They, like the cherubs placed, 
The gracious Shechinah embraced. 

Her ardent love her hymn fupplied, 

Hymn fuel would for love provide, 

Alternately both fired, 

Alternately infpired, 

Alternately increafed, 

Their alternations never ceafed. 

All faints, like Mary, are enjoin'd 
To form God-man in hearts refined, 
Each imitable grace 
Muft there poflefs its place ; 
May I to Jefus cleave, 
And Jefus in my heart conceive. 

When Jefus in my heart is form'd, 
I fhall no more by hell be ftorm'd, 
His graces He '11 infufe ; 
I ne'er fhall Jefus lofe, 
My love can ne'er grow cold, 
While the inflammative I hold. 





103 




FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT. 



FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT. 

The Life ofjefus. 

And a great multitude followed Him, becaufe they faw 
His miracles which He did on them that were difeafed. 

John vi. 2. 

BLEST Spirit, who on Jefus' facred Head 
Didft boundlefs grace like precious oint- 
ment ftied, 
One drop vouchfafe me of that holy oil, 
To fing my Lord's falvific care and toil, 
Whofe love immenfe unwearied day and night, 
O'er the dark world diffufed celeftial light. 

Chaotic mafs in darknefs buried lay, 
Till God commanded antefolar day, 
In intellectual chaos thus mankind 
Lay ignorant, confufed, erroneous, blind, 
Till the bright Sun of Righteoufnefs arofe, 
Propitious beams and influence to difclofe, 
Infernal mifts the univerfe o'erfpread, 
And lying fpirits human minds milled ; 
The world was with unhallow'd temples ftored, 
Foul devils for Jehovah were adored j 
Religion fank to diabolic rites, 
Apoftacy extinguifh'd native lights. 
God's own peculiar care, the chofen Jew, 




io + 



FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT. 



Who God by wondrous revelation knew, 
With numerous fe£ts, and with traditions vain, 
Strove truths reveal'd to blend, pervert and ftain ; 
Above God's law exalted their own dreams, 
Damp'd of Meffiah all prophetic gleams, 
Zealous their fuperftitions to obtrude, 
Zealous their own falvation to elude, 
When the great Prophet, long ago foretold, 
Was fent from God, God's pleafure to unfold. 

Forth from the bofom of the fontal fire, 
Where Son and Father the bleft Dove co-fpire, 
Came the Eternal Word to wear our clay, 
And Godhead unaffli&ingly difplay. 
Truths, which the prophets partially difcern'd, 
By vifion, dream, voice, infpiration learn'd, 
He not from faith, but beatific fight 
Prefented in their full enamouring light ; 
God-man expofed Himfelf to mortal eyes, 
His laws to fweeten and familiarife, 
Paternal God with filial always join'd, 
And God co-efHuent filPd His human mind. 

When Jefus in the wild the conqueft won, 
Then His prophetic office was begun, 
He faithful, no one faving truth conceal'd, 
He gracious, the right way to Heaven reveal'd, 
Some He exhorted, others He reproved, 
Our fears and hopes by threats and bleffings moved, 
Condemn'd the errors which in public reign'd, 




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FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT. 

Myfterious types and prophecies explain'd, 
Spake things celeftial with celeftial grace, 
All prejudice inveterate to erafe ; 
In obvious parables taught truths fublime, 
Spent in illuminating fouls His time. 
DifTeminated light where'er He came, 
Breathed heavenly love the frozen to enflame, 
Confirm'd by Sacred Writ whate'er He taught, 
Down to our weaknefs all His precepts brought, 
Preach'd truths divine, few, neceflary, clear, 
Which might to Heaven a fimple votary fteer ; 
The worft of men He mildly would inftru£t, 
Glad when to Blifs He fmners could conduct ; 
No raptures, no aufterities enjoin'd, 
Nothing too high, too grievous for mankind; 
No whips, no hair-cloth, His mild yoke impofed, 
No fouls in conftant folitudes inclofed; 
Pagans in thefe of faints might have the ftart, 
They wound the flefti,but cannot break the heart. 
Saints Heaven by prayer, alms, gentle fafting, 

fcale, 
The prophet could by fingle prayer prevail ; 
While Baal's priefts endured unpitied pain, 
Gaining their bodies all day long in vain. 

His life the comment was on what He taught, 
That lovely Image ravifhes my thought ; 
None could that life confiderately know, 
But he of Jefus muft enamour'd grow ; 
In Him ideal graces all combined, 




106 



Friend, benefa&or, Saviour to mankind, 
Love incommunicable, filial fear, 
A confcience unupbraidingly fincere ) 
Obedience perfect, free from venial ill, 
Full refignation to His Father's Will ; 
Propenfions centrally to God inclined, 
Unfhaken truft, a heaven-converfing mind ; 
Intentions which at God's fole glory aim'd, 
Zeal which for God's word, houfe and worfhip 

flamed ; 
A temperance, which all exceffes curb'd, 
Contentednefs, by troubles undifturb'd ; 
Each fenfe fubdued, affections all confined 
The dove and ferpent amicably join'd ; 
Virginity, with filthy thought unftain'd, 
Which in perpetual holocauft remain'd; 
A meeknefs, which no malice could provoke, 
A patience to endure a tyrant's ftroke ; 
A courage to encounter all things dire, 
A perfeverance which could never tire ; 
A purity which nothing could defile, 
A wifdom which hell powers could not beguile ; 
Humility, which all debafements prized, 
Exulting for God's fake to be defpifed, 
Which human confidence would ever waive, 
And of all good, to God the glory gave ; 
Which made difciples not deep-learn'd, but good, 
Who wife for Heaven, Heaven only underftood, 
Whofe warm devotion kept its heaven-born heat, 
Oft would to facred folitudes retreat, 




FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT. 

In fafting, meditation, prayer, and praife, 
And ghoftly watching, fpend whole nights and 

days ; 
No wanderings, damps, or chills, His foul annoy'd, 
He no one minute ever mis-employ'd j 
He troubled minds with confolations cheer'd, 
His fweet reproofs the guilty foul endear'd. 
To all in need He pity fhew'd Divine, 
Which unregarded would no cry decline ; 
His charity all malice could tranfcend, 
To loweft offices inured to bend ; 
In good returned all evils to exceed, 
To fave His foes, content Himfelf to bleed. 
He, to gain fouls, wept, travell'd, labour'd, pray'd, 
Their blifs eternal His fole bufmefs made ; 
Difcourfe falvific He at meals inftill'd, 
And fouls with foodfuperceleftial fill' d 5 
As they could bear, He dropp'd it by degrees, 
At once He fweetly could inftruct and pleafe. 
His juftice render'd to all men their due, 
Would righteous ends by righteous means 

purfue ; 
To all eftates He proper honours paid, 
Revered the priefthood, fovereign power obey'd. 
His mind, His own inferior will denied, 
The tranfient world oppofed, contemn'd, defied; 
Its maxims, cuftoms, companies, defigns, 
All joys, to which concupifcence inclines ; 
He Source and Lord of all, knew all things beft, 
And gave the world no harbour in His Breaft; 




108 




He here below nor fought, nor felt repofe, 
Continued Crofs, He for His portion chofe j 
Gave higheft proof of all that He reveal'd, 
When His own Blood its confirmation feal'd. 
Angels their graces by His grace refined 3 
He 's the averfion of the worldly mind, 
His felf-denials fenfual men difguft, 
Vex'd, that He no indulgence gave to luft ; 
Luft, which impoftors patronize, and gain 
Of loofe difciples an unnumber'd train j 
All Jems' graces had a God-like mien, 
By them His heavenly million might be ken ; 
That perfect goodnefs could no man deceive, 
That perfect goodnefs none could difbelieve. 



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When to His doctrine and His life Divine 
His fuper-human miracles we join, 
They love and admiration both excite, 
Conviction will attain its utmoft height. 
He made all creatures ferve His blefs'd defign, 
He water tranfubftantiated to wine ; 
He trod the wave, and bid the winds be ftill ; 
He made rude ftorms fubmiflive to His will ; 
A fifh to Him His tribute-money brought, 
Shoals, at His call, came crowding to be caught. 
Curfed by His lips, the fig-tree ftraight decay'd ; 
Invifible, He dangers could evade. 
He feafted thoufands with feven loaves of bread ; 
Two fifties and five loaves five thoufand fed ; 
And of the food thus multiplied remain'd 




109 



FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT. 



Twelve bafkets, which frefh followers fuftain'd ; 
He made the lame walk, dumb fpeak, deaf to hear, 
And men born blind to fee all objects clear ; 
He dropfies drain'd, and trembling palfies ftill'd, 
The blood inflamed by fevers, gently chill'd ; 
He lepers cleanfed, reftored the wither'd hand ; — 
No ailment could His healing might withftand ; — 
The bloody-flux, which twelve long years had 

reign'd, 
The poor bow'd woman twice fix winters pain'd ; 
The wretch, who thirty-eight his grief deplored, 
And multitudes to foundnefs He reftored. 
Even at a diftance, by His word alone, 
He made His power irrefragably known ; 
He devils at His pleafure difpoffefs'd, 
Conftrain'd by Him, His Godhead they confefs'd, 
Seven out of tortured Magdalen He drave, 
Chafed in foul fwine a legion to the wave ; 
Jairus' young daughter, by her friends bemoan'd ; 
The Son for whom his widow-mother groan'd, 
And Lazarus, who four days had been entomb'd, 
All at His word their vital heart refumed ; 
Saints at His rifing, though long dead, revived, 
And rifen, at Jerufalem arrived. 
From profanations He the Temple clear'd, 
Profaners His majeftic voice revered ; 
Their treafures He o'erthrew, and at His look 
The avaricious their dear wealth forfook ; 
The worldly, at His heart-enamouring call, 
Became His votaries, and renounced their all. 



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He, God incarnate, could the mind infpecl:, 
And with fweet force the heart to God inflect. 
His life, from His conception to His grave, 
Strong demonftrations of Mefliah gave ; 
Divinity fhined bright in all He taught, 
God-like benignity in all He wrought ; 
His miracles He gracioufly defign'd, 
To cure, convince, convert, endear mankind. 

Eternal Word, who, clothed in human duft, 
Didft teach lapfed man the wifdom of the juft ; 
Illuftrate by example Thy difcourfe, 
Confirm it by a wonder-working force j 
Open my ears, my eyes, my tongue unloofe, 
Into my heart Thy heavenly truth infufe ; 
That I Thy praife inceffantly may fing, 
That love may give my heart a heavenward fpring ! 
That I may never more towards earth propend, 
In vigorous, fweet efforts to Thee afcend ; 
Thy bright idea in my heart enchafe, 
To copy out each imitable grace. 

All praife to our great Prophet, by whofe light 
The world, born blind, receives its ghoftly fight ; 

Glory to Jefus, o'er the mount was heard, 
For doctrine, life, and miracles, revered. 




FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT. 



FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT. 

God's Attributes, 

Jefus faid unto them, Verily, verily I fay unto you, Be- 
fore Abraham was, I am. — S. John viii. 58. 

ERE the intelligence, from nothing rear'd, 
To fpin fucceffion on the fphere appearM, 
To give duration drop by drop, to move 
Frail man each fleeting minute to improve ; 
Thou felf-originated Deity, 
In indivisible eternity ; 
Thou, felf-fufficient, by Thyfelf didft reign, 
And with Thyfelf, Thyfelf didft entertain ; 
No rival infinite could fhare Thy throne, 
There no more infinites can be but one ; 
For were there more, each would each other 

bound, 
All join'd, an infinite could ne'er compound ; 
All parts are bounds, the thing compounded piece, 
And bounds to boundlefs never can increafe. 



Blefs'd fpirit, void of mixture, fhape, or part, 
Beft known by not conceiving what Thou art ; 
Thy Majefty ten thoufand funs outvies, 
A fight too radiant for the feraphs' eyes ; 
Their dazzled view they with their feathers cafe, 
Unable to behold Thy glorious face ; 



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FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT. 



'Tis hard for our arithmetic to count 

How much th' Atlantic may one drop furmount ; 

More difficult the difference to adjuft 

'Twixt the terraqueous globe and fingle dull: ; 

But 'tis impoffible for man to guefs 

'Twixt infinite and finite the excefs ; 

If, Lord, with Thee we heaven and earth compare, 

They not proportion of one atom bear ; 

When Mofes humbly afk'd Thy glorious Name, 

That he might tell the tribes from whom he came, 

Jehovah, and I Am, Thou then didft own, 

The awful names by which Thou wouldft be 

known ; 
Thou only canft be truly faid to be, 
All creatures nothings are compared to Thee ; 
Thou art the boundlefs, everlafting Source 
Of all exiftence, of all vital force. 

Thou Rock of Ages doft the fame abide, 
While our durations by fhort minutes glide ; 
We live in flux, and by degrees, but Thou 
Art all at once, in an eternal now ; 
What's infinite no diffipation knows, 
Self-ftagnating, it neither ebbs nor flows ; 
Itfelf collected with itfelf confifts, 
It uniform, immutable exifts ; 
Above all change unchangeable abides. 
And as it pleafes cafual changes guides ; 
Thy Deity, uncircumfcribed by place, 
Fills heaven and earth, and extramundane fpace. 





113 



FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT, 



Thou prefent art in the infernal fhade, 

The damn'd are of Thy vengeance there afraid ; 

Thy boundlefs glories in eternal light 

Angelic hierarchies to hymn excite ; 

Thou prefent art in this terreftrial fphere, 

Where'er we fly, or hide, Thou ftill art near ; 

Thou prefent art, when finners dare Thy ftroke, 

Thou prefent art, when faints Thy aid invoke ; 

Thou, in all fin's recefles, doft furvey 

Pollution with an unpolluted ray ; 

Thou prefent art all creatures to fuftain, 

And influence Thy univerfal reign; 

Thou in the temple of the world doft dwell, 

All blefiings to confer, all ills expel ; 

Benign, or dreadful, Thou ftill prefent art, 

In every faint, in every finner's heart ; 

Thy faints there for Thy Godhead temples build, 

Which with Thy gracious Shechinah are fill'd ; 

And from Thy prefence finners feel within 

Anticipations of wrath due to fin. 






! '2iP^ ; 



Thy fuper-immenfe Godhead, Lord, to none 
But Thy unmeafurable Self is known ; 
And in Thy own felf-comprehending Thought 
The clear ideas of all things are wrought ; 
What future fhall, what poflible may be, 
Thou in Thyfelf eternally didft fee -, 
The prefent, paft, and future, all unite 
In Thy eternal unfucceflive Sight ; 
Thou doft the fecrets of all hearts infpecl:, 



I 




114. 



FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT. 



And to Thy glory finful a£te inflect j 

To all ideas in Thy mind immenfe, 

Thy power an a&ual being can difpenfe ; 

Millions of multifarious worlds, and more, 

Thou canft produce out of Thy boundlefs ftore ; 

Thou who didft other pombles refufe, 

This feries for futurity didft choofe 3 

Thy wondrous works Thy mighty power declare, 

Which yet faint fketches of Thy glory are, 

By them Thy might we cannot fully rate, 

Thou nobler canft to eternity create ; 

And fhouldft Thou endlefs new creations tend, 

Thou yet Thy force couldft not fatigue nor fpend. 

Holieft of holies, Thou art God alone, 
On Thy all-glorious, everlafting Throne ; 
Thy Nature is immaculately pure, 
Cannot the leaft approach of ill endure ; 
To Thee all excellencies we afcribe, 
Which from Thy fontal fullnefs we imbibe ; 
We thoughts diftin£r. of Thy perfections frame, 
In Thee all undiftinguifh'd and the fame. 



Great God, I Thy infinity adore, 
Admire devoutly what I can't explore ; 
Congratulating, with a joyful heart, 
All that Thou doft poffefs, all that Thou art ; 
Thou art immutable, I change like wind, 
Fix my backfliding and inftable mind ; 
O let Thy Prefence o'er all nature fpread, 




"5 




Strike me with conftant reverential dread ; 

I cannot fin but in Thy awful view, 

Sin nowhere can efcape Thy vengeance due ; 

O ravifh with Thy endlefs blifs my eyes, 

That I may fublunary joys defpife ; 

Thou Searcher of my heart, my heart pofTefs, 

Thy own idea deeply there imprefs ; 

May I in dangers on Thy power rely, 

Safe fhelter find, whene'er to Thee I fly ; 

purify me, Lord as Thou art pure, 
From the polluting world my foul fecure ; 
Thy image re-engrave ; to copy Thee 

Is my chief prayer, mall my ambition be. 
Though no one mortal e'er Thy face furvey'd, 
Yet we can love Thy goodnefs when difplay'd ; 
Within the rocky cleft O may I ftand, 
Supported by Thy own propitious hand ; 
That as Thy awful glory pafTes by, 

1 may like Mofes Thy back parts defcry. 

Lord, when Thy mighty notion fills my mind, 
No words to vent that boundlefs thought I find ; 
That all perfection, Thou all lovely art, 
And fhouldft Thou not Thyfelf to us impart ; 
Shouldft Thou bare being give, and heaven detain, 
Thou yet all intellectual love wouldft gain ; 
Thy lovelinefs no mind could ever know, 
But muft enamour'd of Thy Godhead grow ; 
In Thee all that is amiable or fweet, 
All irrefiftible attractives meet ; 




Diniiimm 



SUNDAY NEXT BEFORE EASTER. 

Nothing or charms or beauty can poffefs, 
But what it borrows of Thy Lovelinefs ; 
Incomprehenfible Thou art, above 
My utmoft thought, but not beyond my love ; 
High as Thou art,Thou canft not love tranfcend, 
I love Thee more, the lefs I comprehend ; 
The more Thou art above expreffion raifed, 
Thou art the nobler Subject to be praifed ; 
But mould I love in moft intenfe degree, 
How incommenfurate is all to Thee ! 
Lord, I now love by faith, a loftier flight 
My love will take, when I mail love by fight. 



SUNDAY NEXT BEFORE EASTER. 

Name ofjefus. 

Wherefore God alfo hath highly exalted Him, and given 
Him a name which is above every name : that at the Name 
ofjefus every knee mould bow, of things in heaven, and 
things in earth, and things under the earth. — Phil. ii. 9, 10. 

MY God, Thy wife, propitious Will 
Raifed greater!: good from greateft ill, 
What Adam did amifs, 
Turn'd to our endlefs blifs ; 
O happy fin, which to atone, 
Drew Filial God to leave His Throne ! 






K^^^^o^torj^n 




117 



SUNDAY NEXT 



Should all the race of Adam meet 

In a convention as complete 

As that at the Laft Day, 
When they refume their clay, 

To afk of Heaven what all defire, 

They all in Jefus would confpire. 

Not all the mufic of the fpheres 
Sounds half fo fweet in angels' ears, 
As when to hearts contrite 
We Jefus' Name recite, 
That Name with fweetnefs overflows, 
Creates full joys, and damps our woes. 

The angels never fang an air, 
Which could in melody compare 
With that at Jefus' birth, 
When fent to tell the earth 
That the co-gracious Three defign'd 
Great Filial God to fave mankind. 

When Gabriel firft fpake Jefus' Name, 
The heavenly orbs, the earthly frame, 
Which direful fhocks fuftain'd 
E'er fince the deluge reign'd, 
Felt inftantly diforders ceafe, 
The univerfe was blefs'd with peace. 

When Jefus human air firft drew, 
Sun, moon, and ftars, to gain His view, 




BEFORE EASTER. 



Painted their beams to meet, 
To kifs His facred feet, 
And fent an envoy ftar, whofe ray- 
Should mew the world where Jems lay. 

In Heaven angelic Orders nine, 
From fingle to trice treble mine, 
Of Jefus ever fing, 
Adore their humble King, 
Each in man's purchafed blifs delights, 
And Jefus them to hymn excites. 

On earth, fince God the promifed feed 
In pure philanthropy decreed, 

The Faithful, glory gain'd 

By Jefus, unexplain'd, 
Clouded in prophecies and type, 
Till men were for the fubftance ripe. 

The ghofts apoftate doom'd to dwell, 
Since banifh'd Heaven in loweft hell, 

Lapfed man with envy eye 

On Jefus who rely ; 
And when of Jefus faints difcourfe, 
Tremble at His falvific force. 

My Jefus, at Thy Name I bow, 

Myfelf Thy holocauft I vow, 
Of Jefus all day long 
Shall be my grateful fong, 

I'll ftrive each fong which I commence 

To fing with love ftill more intenfe. 



§8 




MONDAY BEFORE EASTER. 



MONDAY BEFORE EASTER. 

On the Agony. 

BLESS'D Jefus, who didft wondrous grief 
fuftain, 
Eternal joy for wretched man to gain, 
Fill me with an intenerating fenfe 
Of all the dolours of Thy love immenfe, 
That I, in melting verfe 5 with gufhing eyes 
May with Thy Agony co-agonize. 

Upon a mount near Salem, whofe fat foil 
Cheers Judah's face with foft diftilling oil, 
Which fhrouds its head in olive-groves from heat, 
And in cool Kedron bathes its parched feet, 
There is a garden in whofe folemn bowers 
Our Lord oft fpent His confecrated hours j 
He thither, with His faithful train, repairs, 
And from the Altar leads them to their prayers, 
James, John, and Peter thither with Him go, 
While the reft waited His return below : 
You three, faid Jefus, fhall My ftay attend, 
In prayer and watching thofe choice minutes fpend, 
Then, heavy and afflicted, He complain'd, 
As if already He death's pangs fuftain'd ; 
Grief infinite, and dire internal pain, 
Forced His warm blood to gufh from every vein. 




MONDAY BEFORE EASTER, 



Curfed Invida her fummons ftraight diffufed, 
And all the fiends at Salem rendezvoufed ; 
The leading devils waited by her fide, 
Whofe malice had in mifchief long been tried ; 
In arts of tempting moft minutely verfed, 
The reft fhe o'er Jerufalem difperfed 
As a tired traveller, who flumbering lies 
Near Zembra's lake, ftarts up in dire furprife, 
When unicorns, who tread the neighbouring 

ground, 
With taper'd horns his mofly made furround ; 
Infultingly the wretch they tofs and gore, 
He wounded is, and bruifed, and bleeds all o'er ; 
Hell powers and furious Jews were thus intent 
In flefh, in fpirit, Jefus to torment ; 
For every paffion they their batteries built 
To raife by force, or by vexation, guilt. 
His Father's anger, fin, the bitter cup, 
Whofe dregs He was devoted to drink up, 
His fpirit gored, Hell the advantage weigh'd, 
And general affaults upon Him made ; 
Horror, His dangers and His pangs fuggefts, 
Impatience, with repinings Him infefts ; 
Jealoufy, oft His Father's love would blame, 
Difdain, urged of the Crofs the fmart and lhame; 
Hate, moved Him to deteft outrageous Jews, 
Revenge, retaliations would infufe, 
Fear, tempted Him approaching pains to fly, 
Defpair, His cruel Father to deny, 
Inceffantly they tofs'd Him, gave no reft, 



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MONDAY BEFORE EASTER. 



Yet no ill thought upon His foul impreft ; 
Amidft the horns of unicorns He pray'd, 
And God difpatch'd a feraph to His aid. 
Swift flew the glorious envoy from the Throne, 
Saw Jefus fad, and made for Jefus moan ; 
The blifsful fpirit who ne'er grieved before, 
Into companion melted was all o'er, 
His vehicle into bright tears condenfed, 
While thus his heavenly meflage he com- 
menced. 

God Filial, fecond of the glorious Trine, 
To Whom we adoration pay Divine, 
For You, though thus debafed, my God I ftyle, 
Your heavenly joys fufpended feem awhile, 
God ne'er abandons His Beloved Son, 
God and You co-eternally are One, 
'Tis Your good Father's Will, and 'tis Your 

own, 
That You for human guilt mould thus atone. 
Since curfed fin the righteous God difclaims, 
And daringly at God's deftrucStion aims ; 
For every harden'd finner has the will 
To murder God, could he his wifh fulfil. 
You the fufpenfe of Deity muft bear, 
For nothing lefs the outrage can repair ; 
You ftill to God immutably are dear, 
God is not to His Son, but fin fevere, 
Man's guilt, and God's fierce wrath, to finners 
due, 




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By God's decree tranilated are on You : 
The greater load is on Your fpirit laid, 
God will be more commenfurately paid ; 
All the vicarious vengeance You fuftain, 
And all your unimaginable pain, 
Will God's effential attributes adjuft, 
Purchafe immortal Life for mortal duft ; 
Make finners in Your Name for pardon plead, 
Infernal powers fubdue and captive lead, 
Make faithful fouls You their Redeemer own, 
Exalt Your human nature to God's Throne 
At God's right hand eternally to reign, 
All Heaven in hymns will wormip the Lamb {lain. 

Thus fpake the feraph, and to blifs reflew, 
He fcarce reach'd Heaven but jefus grieved anew ; 
Sin and God's anger were a mighty weight, 
Which no feraphic comfort could abate. 
Thus grieved, from His three votaries He with- 
drew, 
His awful face on earth He humbly threw ; 
Addrefs moft ardent to His Father made, 
And with unutterable paffion pray'd. 
If, Father, it confifts with Thy decree, 
Set Me from this outrageous anguifh free ; 
Yet, Father, not My will, be done, but Thine, 
My will, I wholly to Thy Will refign. 
With that, bleft Jefus rifing from the ground, 
Chid His three votaries, whom He fleeping found ; 
Could you not for one hour forbear your fleep 




123 








And with devotion this fhort vigil keep ? 

O watch and pray, left Satan you affail, 

The fpirit willing is, the flefh is frail 

From them the fecond time He then retreats, 

With double fervour the fame prayer repeats ; 

Then, coming back, their eyelids faft were clofed, 

Strong grief to ftupor had their fouls difpofed ; 

Again with trebled ardour He retires, 

Reiterating ftill the fame deiires. 

The three He then revifits, and was grieved 

That fleep again of fenfe had them bereaved. 

Ah ! can you deep, fays He, when trouble's near, 

The traitor foon will raife a wakeful fear ; 

Arife, I'll the approaching danger meet, 

Saints, when God wills the fufferings, ne'er retreat. 

Foul Invida, who took no reft at all, 
But lived felf-tortured ever fince her fall, 
Her black defign to full perfection brought, 
And Jews to her own height of malice wrought : 
Even elders and high priefts ambitious were 
In all the envious cruelties to mare ; 
All arm'd with fwords and inftruments of rage, 
And envy, which no yielding could afluage. 
The moon in clouds had veil'd her orb of light, 
The ftars withdrew from the detefted fight ; 
And to fupply their room, the favage bands 
With lanthorns came, and torches in their hands. 
And Judas, left the foldiers mould miftake, 
His kifs, the fign would to direct them, make. 




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124. 




Meeting our Lord, Hail, Mailer, hail! he cried, 
Then kifs'd Him, and the band the foe defcried. 
Friend, faid meek Jefus, why fuch force as this ? 
Canft thou betray thy Mafter with a kifs ? 
Whom feek ye, faid our Lord, His heavenly breath 
Straight thunder- ftruck the band, as pale as death j 
They, trembling, backward fell upon the ground, 
His heavenly rays the armed force confound. 
Meek Jefus fufFering them to rife again, 
Demands, Whom feek ye, with this armed train ? 
Jefus, they cry ; if Me ye feek, faid He, 
Let thefe My faithful votaries then go free, 
Fulfilling what He fpake, that the Elecl, 
Whom God had given, He would from force 
protect. 

Peter, his Matter's champion to appear, 
Drew out his fword and cut ofFMalchus' ear. 
Our Lord rebuked his rafh, revengeful zeal, 
And by His touch vouchfafed the wound to heal. 
Shall I, faid He, from that dire potion fhrink, 
Which 'tis My Father's pleafure I mould drink ? 
Twelve arm'd angelic legions ready ftand, 
Would I ufe force, to come at My command. 
Why as a thief, faid Jefus to the crew, 
Do you thus arm'd My innocence purfue ? 
I daily in the Temple taught, and there 
None to commit this violence would dare ; 
But I muft fuffer,'tis My Father's Will, 
And by My fufferings Holy Writ fulfil : 




MONDAY BEFORE EASTER. 



For Jew and Hell, 'tis the infulting hour, 
You to afflicl: Me have permitted power. 
With that the armed rabble Him furround, 
While with rude cords His facred Hands they 

bound -, 
Accurfed Invida in every breaft 
Her fury fo indelibly impreft, 
That nor His God-like Look, His heavenly 

Tongue, 
(Which to the earth the trembling warriors flung) 
Nor the kind miracle on Malchus wrought, 
Could raife fo much as one relenting thought ; 
So wholly unreclaimable are they 
Who love immenfe with outrages repay. 

Like Thy bleft Self, Lord, teach me to fubmit 
To all my Heavenly Father mail think fit ; 
To yield the full fubje£tion of a fon, 
Pray, Father, not my will, but Thine be done. 
He ever lives unviolenced by ill, 
Who to His God devoted, has no will ; 
Since Thou my Father art, O God, I right 
Claim in Thy boundlefs Goodnefs, Wifdom, 

Might: 
Thy Wifdom will my foul in doubts direct, 
Thy Might will in calamities protect, 
Thy Goodnefs ne'er will caufelefsly afflict, 
With all the three I'll keep a union ftrict ; 
They'll me proportion what for me is beft, 
In their difpofals I entirely reft ; 




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126 




TUESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 

I into Thee refund my borrow'd mind, 
To centre in Thee by a will refign'd. 

All praife to Jefus ! Who oar griefs to cure, 
Would agonies unfpeakable endure. 
Glory to Jefus ! ran the mountain o'er, 
Whofe limbs were bathed in His own tears and 
gore. 



TUESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 

The Arraignment of Jefus. 

JESU, Who, man in blifs to re-inftate, 
Wouldft be the object of Judaic hate, 
Help me to fing of the unbounded woes 
Which in Thy Soul at Thy arraignment rofe. 
Curfed Invida now thought her plot fecure, 
Yet that fhe Jefus' death might more infure, 
She orders gave to all the fiends that night 
Anew to irritate the Jewifli fpite. 
The guard, our Lord now bound, to Annas led, 
His envy with that wifiYd-for fight was fed. 
And having took his diabolic fill, 
Sent Him to Caiaphas to complete the ill. 

Soon as they at the palace gate arrive 
The council meet, His ruin to contrive 



127 



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TUESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 

Some perjured wretches ftudioufly they fought, 
Whofe testimonies might with bribes be bought. 
O'er all Jerufalem they fearch'd in vain, 
His very foes durfl not His virtue {tain ; 
Till Invida with Avarice combined, 
And two bafe villains to the facl: inclined, 
Who fwore that Jefus offer'd in three days 
The Jewifh Temple to deftroy and raife, 
But yet in circumftantiating the deed, 
They in their depofitions difagreed. 
Caiaphas ftrove the crime to aggrandize, 
Which yet to capital could never rife: 
Then afks His anfwer. Jefus the miftake 
Well knew, difdaining a return to make. 
Next he abjures Him in God's Name to mew, 
Whether He were the Chrift, God's Son, or no ? 
You, Jefus faid, the Son of Man fhall eye, 
Enthroned one day at God's right Hand on high, 
And in a cloud of glory thence defcend, 
To judge thofe judges who His death intend. 
That anfwer facerdotal rage foments, 
His facred vefture he in madnefs rents ; 
What need, he foam'd, of witnefs ? ye all hear 
The blafphemy which defecrates our ear. 
Worthy of death all Jefus then conclude, 
And treat Him with infults profane and rude, 
They buffet, feoff, fpit in His facred Face, 
All ways they ftrive to grieve Him, or difgrace ; 
They fmite Him blindfold, and then urge to know, 
By His prophetic fkill, who gave the blow ; 




128 



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TUESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 



A thoufand more bold blafphemies they fpoke, 
Yet not the leaft impatience could provoke. 

But our dear Lord was more by Peter grieved, 
Than by the wrongs He from His foes received. 
Getting admittance at the High-Prieft's gate 
He curious was to learn his Matter's fate ; 
While with the rabble at the fire he ftay'd, 
And every paflage punctually weigh'd, 
Apiftos urged him Jefus to abjure, 
Who nor Himfelf, nor votaries could fecure. 
Fear next ftrove frightful fancies to inje£t, 
That Jefus' votaries muft His fate expecl: : 
Apiftos could not unbelief perfuade, 
But Fear prevail'd confeffion to evade. 
Thou waft with Jefus, then a damfel cried ; 
The Man you name, I know not, he replied : 
And for a while into the porch withdrew, 
While his iirft crow the cock at midnight crew ; 
A fecond damfel the fame charge repeats, 
And with like obftinate denial meets. 
Some boldly him a Galilean named, 
And that his diale£t his birth proclaim'd : 
One vow'd, that man he with the prifoner faw 
Againft ftate officers his fabre draw ; 
And he by terror the third time attack'd, 
With oaths and curfes his denial back'd : 
As from his lips his third denial came, 
The cock began the morning to proclaim : 
Our Lord, whofe Heart, by that denial gored, 








129 



to 



T 



TUESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 

Lapfed Peter, next to His own pains, deplored, 
Caft on His guilty lover ftanding by, 
Such a foft, chiding, fweet, endearing eye, 
Which penetrated with a force fo kind, 
Each power of his love-violating mind, 
That haftening out, a lonely place he fpies, 
And there unfluiced the cataracts of his eyes. 

While Jefus, worried by the Pagan crew, 
Storm'd by hell powers, and the co-hellifh Jew, 
In piercing cold, void of friend, comfort, reft, 
With grief incomprehenfible opprefs'd ; 
With patient meeknefs His tormentors tired ; 
Curfed Invida afrefh their malice fired ; 
Early the Council met, the fecond time 
Confult how they may charge Him with a crime, 
But could no credible invention frame, 
And the High-prieft was forced to afk the fame, 
Art Thou the Chrift, the Son of God, or no ? 
Yourfelves, faid Jefus, often ftyle Me fo. 
Hear the tremendous blafphemy, they cry, 
And the Blafphemer by our law muft die. 

Satan, who in falfe Judas kept abode, 
And in his heart fix'd his malicious goad, 
Since he had now play'd all the traitor's parts, 
A fierce defpair into his confcience darts ; 
With horror tortured, and confounding fhame, 
Too great to lay to any pardon claim, 
He to the Council haftes, confeffion made, 



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That he had fpotlefs Innocence betray'd, 
His bribe he would refund, which they reject, 
Treating him with contemptuous neglect. 
SwelFd up with rage he to the Temple goes, 
And on the floor the thirty pieces throws, 
'Twas the vile price of a defpifed flave, 
Which vileft Jews for God Incarnate gave, 
All there conclude the price of blood, not fit 
Into the hallow'd treafure to admit, 
And bought with that curfed fum the potter's field, 
Which mould a burying-place to ftrangers yield, 
Now ftyled the field of blood, that all might own, 
'Twas the event by prophecy fore-fhewn. 

Judas, of mercy having loft the hope, 
Refolved his life to fhorten by a rope ; 
A Aiding cord he threw his neck around, 
One end upon a lofty bough was bound, 
Then headlong falling, that he foon might choke, 
His heavy carcafs the ftrong halter broke, 
And falling on a ftake, the wretch accurfed, 
In horrid manner ftraight afunder burft, 
And while his limbs in blood and bowels roll, 
He devils importunes to fnatch his foul. 
O unrepealable, and dreadful doom 
Of thofe, who to betray their Lord prefume. 

The Jews to Pilate's palace Jefus lead, 
Refolving there the prifoner to implead, 
Yet enter'd not, left by impure contact 





Of Gentiles, they uncleannefs fhould contract, 

That they might eat the Paflbver unftaind, 

And Jefus was within the hall arraign'd. 

The chief-priefts, fcribes, and elders, in the narr.e 

Of the whole land, againft our Lord declaim. 

Cry Him a malefactor, and demand 

His fpeedy doom, from his impartial hand. 

But Pilate, who their furious ravings faw, 

Remits Him to be judged by Jewifh law. 

We have no power, they faid, of life and death, 

That, now depends upon the Roman breath. 

Thus Jefus' word minutely was fulfill'd, 

Into His votaries often pre-inftill'd, 

That by a Roman crucifixion He, 

Not by a Jewilh death, mould martyr'd be. 

We to your bar, they faid, this wretch have 
brought, 
Who impious doctrines o'er the land has taught ; 
Of Caefar's due the payment He diffuades, 
Styles Himfelf King, and Caefar's throne invades. 
The name of king made jealous Pilate ftart, 
Withdrawing, he examined Him apart ; 
Art Thou a Jewilh king, as people rave ? 
But no reply determinate He gave. 
You hear, faid Pilate, what momentous things 
The awful Sanhedrim againft you brings : 
But Jefus filent, all defence declined, 
To meet that fate Paternal God defign'd. 
Pilate, who by His filent meeknefs guefs'd 



f 




132 



TUESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 



His innocence. Him innocent profefs'd. 

With envious rage His perfecutors fume, 

And Pilate urge the hearing to relume. 

Art Thou a king ? faid Pilate. Jefus fpake, 

Afk you this for your own, or Judah's fake ? 

I am no Jew,, faid Pilate, nor am (kill'd 

In prophecies they dream fhall be fulfill'd ; 

The Council and all Ifrael hither run, 

To charge you : fay, what evil have you done ? 

My realm, fays Jefus, waives all worldly might, 

My fubje&s elfe would for my refcue fight. 

Did ever crown, faid Pilate, you adorn ? 

I am a King, faid Jefus, and was born, 

That I on earth a ghoftly realm might fway, 

And make My fubjecSts heavenly truths obey. 

Then Pilate publicly declared his mind, 

I in this Man no fault at all can find. 

The Jews with a frefh fury clamour loud, 

That He had fown rebellion through the crowd, 

From Galilee to Salem men amufed, 

With peftilential maxims He infufed. 

Pilate, when Galilee was named, would know 

Whether He Galilean was or no; 

Inform'd he was, he Him to Herod fends, 

While Pafchal Rites at Salem he attends. 



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That tyrant had his life in inceft led, 
At his command our Lord's fore-runner bled, 
O'er Galilee he cruel tetrarch reign'd, 
And in the Jewifh law had long been train'd ; 



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33 



TUESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 



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Oft he had heard of Jefus' mighty fame, 

And joy'd when Jefus to his palace came, 

With expectation that from Jefus he 

Should myfteries hear, or miracles mould fee. 

Our Lord, Who well their hearts obdurate knew, 

No anfwer gave to Herod, or to Jew : 

They ftrong convictions had contemn'd before, 

And God thus outraged would vouchfafe no more. 

The king who faw Him refolutely mute, 

Concludes Him idiot, and of no repute ; 

He and his furious guards our Lord deride. 

The animal with fierce infultings plied, 

In a white robe, they the mock King array'd, 

And to their fill their cruel paftimes play'd ; 

Herod, who thought his majefty debafed 

His indignation on a fot to wafte, 

To Pilate fends Him to receive His due, 

Where His malicious foes their rage renew. 

Rome's Juftice, Pilate faid, this man acquits, 
And Him even Herod uncondemn'd tranfmits ; 
No crime in Him, or he or I can fee, 
He fhall chaftifement fufFer, and go free. 
'Tis cuftomary at this foiemn feaft 
One prifoner for your fake mould be releafed ; 
And this mail be the Man : for well he knew 
Their envy, not His guilt, the odium drew. 
At freeing Jefus, they with fury rave, 
We not this Man, but we Barabbas crave ; 
Whofe horrid crimes to all the Jews were known, 




'3+ 



TUESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 

They choofe the villain, and the Saint difown. 
What fhall I do with Jefus, he rejoin'd, 
Whom, oft examin'd, I ftill guiltlefs find ? 
Then with a rage unanimous they cried, 
Let Jefus be condemn'd, and crucified. 
To fatisfy, faid he, the nation's cries, 
I will the guiltlefs, the opprefs'd chaftife. 
No fober counfel could allay their heat, 
Crucify, crucify ! they all repeat. 

While Pilate thus the rapid torrent ftemm'd, 
He ftriving to acquit, Whom they condemn'd ; 
His wife entreaties fent, he mould take care 
In murdering that Juft Man to have no fhare ; 
By a tremendous dream me well fore-knew, 
That God the fact with vengeance would purfue. 
Pilate then, Jefus' fpotlefs life to fave, 
Command to foldiers for His fcourging gave ; 
Within the common-hall the armed bands 
Strip Him, and to a pillar tie His Hands ; 
With knotted cords His tender Flefh they lafh'd, 
Long gaping furrows in His Mufcles gafh'd ; 
His Blood which gufhing ran from every pore, 
Bathed Him a fecond time in His own Gore ; 
His Head they with a wreath of thorns furround, 
And every thorn gave a peculiar wound ; 
His Blood afrelh infhowers came trickling down, 
From the fharp, numerous gorings of His crown ; 
Mock-purple robes He on His moulders wore, 
For fceptre, in His Hand a reed He bore ; 




135 



TUESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 



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With bended knee His patience they abufe, 
Spit in His Face, and cry, Hail, King of Jews ! 
Then fmite Him with His own mock-fceptre reed, 
Even Jews could fcarce their outrages exceed. 

Thus robed, crown'djfcepter'd, bleeding, full of 

woes, 
Pilate, to move fome pity, Jefus mows ; 
Behold the Man ! Whofe innocence I urged, 
Yet for your fakes have thus feverely fcourged ; 
It were a fhame I mould ami£r Him more ; 
Crucify, crucify ! they foaming roar. 
We have a law, with clamour they reply, 
And by our law blafphemers ought to die. 
This proud, ambitious wretch, meek as He 

feems, 
Styles Himfelf God's own Son, and God blaf- 

phemes. 
That Name ftruck Pilate with an awe profound, 
And he withdrew, this queftion to propound ; 
Whence art Thou ? Jefus filent flood, then he, 
Have I not power to crucify or free ? 
And art Thou filent ? Jefus made reply, 
The power you have is given you from on high, 
If you that power abufe, you God offend, 
Jews, who know more, your guilt the more tran- 

fcend. 

Still Pilate ftrove their malice to afTuage, 
Urged His releafe, which raifed impetuous rage ; 



i 





TUESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 

All loudly bellow, he himfelf would fhow 

Not Caefar's friend, fhould he let Jefus go, 

Who courts by magic popular renown, 

Styles himfelf King, and aims at Caefar's crown. 

Pilate then Jefus, in His royal weed, 

Crown'd with fharp thorns, and fcepter'd with a 

reed, 
In the Praetorium placed in all their views, 
Behold your King, faid he, the King of Jews. 
We no king, they return, but Caefar own, 
And you with watchful care mould guard his 

throne. 
Away with Him, away with Him ! they cry, 
And let the wretch by crucifixion die ! 



When Pilate faw their malice higher fwell, 
He thought it vain their fury to repel : 
But wafh'd his hands ; I guiltlefs am, he faid, 
From this Juft Perfon's blood you thirft to fried. 
In horrid curfe their anfwer they expreft, 
His Blood on us, and on our children reft. 
Pilate, Tiberius to incenfe afraid, 
And by the clamours of the Jews difmay'd, 
Defpairing fafely to prevent the ill, 
Delivers Jefus to their envious will ; 
Commands the guards Barabbas to unbind, 
And Jefus to the dolorous Crofs confign'd. 
May I devoutly, Lord, Thy patience weigh, 
Oh, let no ills me rancour or difmay ! 




137 




WEDNESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 

On Thy fupport may I in troubles lean, 
And keep in worldly ftorms a foul ferene. 

All praife to Jefus ! Who with fin unftain'd 
Was for our guilt content to be arraign'd. 
Glory to Jefus ! o'er the mountain goes, 
Who for lapfed man endured fuch bitter woes. 



WEDNESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 

The Pajion. 

MELT me all o'er, eternal, gracious Dove, 
Into the utmoft tendernefs of love : 
That while I fuffering Jefus have in fight, 
Condoling love may a foft fong indite. 
Oh ! tune my heart to that fweet, tender drain, 
In which the virgins worfhip the Lamb flain ; 
While on their fympathetic harps they play 
To the new fong, which none can learn but they. 

When timorous Pilate Jefus' death decreed, 
And that He mould by crucifixion bleed, 
The Jews, by Invida poflefs'd, to pleafe, 
The rude, remorfelefs foldiers on Him feize. 
Then His mock-purple robe away they tear, 
That He might only His own garments wear ; 
His ponderous Crofs they on His moulders lay, 



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WEDNESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 

With fpears they goad Him through the dolorous 

way. 
But Jefus, fpent with lofs of blood and pain, 
Unable was the burden to fuftain. 
They faw Him fink, yet would no pity fhow, 
But to referve Him for His dying woe ; 
Good Simon, whom they for His friend fufpecl:, 
To bear His Crofs they from the crowd felecl. 

happy faint ! in Jefus' griefs to fhare, 
To eafe bleft Jefus, Jefus' Crofs to bear ! 
Two thieves they with Him couple, to imply, 
He for like crimes with them alike muft die. 
The evangelic prophet this foretold, 

That He mould with tranfgreflbrs be enroll'd. 

His faithful votaries follow'd the fad train, 
And fympathized with Him in every vein. 
The tender fex His view afflicting kept, 
Their hearts bled falter than their eyelids wept. 
With re-condoling Love, and melting eyes, 
Jefus to their afflicted love replies : 
Drain not your tears, My anguifh to deplore ; 
Weep for yourfelves and for your children more : 

1 by My fufFerings fhall to glory rife, 

But dreadful vengeance fhall this land furprife. 
Ah ! Salem's daughters, near is the fad day 
When in extremity of grief you'll fay, 
Thrice happy are the wombs once barren ftyled, 
Thrice happy paps which never fuckled child. 
Then to the hills and mountains men fhall call, 




J 39 




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WEDNESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 

To fhelter us from wrath, upon us fall ! 

Nor hills, nor mountains will regard their woes, 

Obdurate and relentlefs as their foes. 

Like a green tree with a well-water'd root, 

I yielded for you food life-giving fruit ; 

The faithlefs, like trees with no moifture fed, 

Cumbering the ground, unfruitful are and dead. 

God, who permits the green mail trampled lie, 

Juftly decrees the felling of the dry. 

If fuch afflictions Innocence attend, 

Think what dire judgments over guilt impend ! 

Soon as they at Mount Calvary arrived, 
Where malefactors were of life deprived ; 
For anodyne, to criminals then ufed, 
Of wine, with frankincenfe, and myrrh infufed, 
The envious Jews, His angours to augment, 
A cup of gall and vinegar prefent : 
He thirfty, of the odious potion fips, 
And from it ftraight withdrew His injured Lips. 
Naked they ftript Him, to increafe difgrace, 
Then on the Crofs His Frame fupine they place ; 
His tender Hands and Feet with cords they retch, 
And when extended to their utmoft ftretch, 
With nails, to fix Him to the Tree, they gore 
Of a large fize, to make the wider bore : 
Jefus thus nail'd, the Crofs on high they heaved, 
And that He mightbe with frefh torments grieved, 
Each, the fame moment, letting go his hand, 
Into the hole in which it was to ftand 




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With fuch a mighty torturing jerk it fell, 
The malice could not be outdone by hell. 
His Body, which His Wounds alone fupport, 
Feels now of torment the extreme effort, 
juw(\i It racks His Joints, unfockets all His Bones, 
Each Mufcle in Him agonizing groans, 
Each Artery, Nerve, Tendon, Fibre, Vein, 
Each atom felt ftrong confidential pain. 
But midft His dire convulfions, pangs and throes, 
No wrongs His charity could difcompofe ; 
He pardon begs for Pagan and for Jew, 
Father, forgive, they know not what they do. 

The crime for which the malefactor bled, 
Was by old cuftom labell'd o'er his head ; 
This fole infcription Pilate chofe to ufe, 
Jefus of Nazareth, the King of Jews. 
As He in torment hung, contemn'd and fcorn'd, 
God with this public witnefs Him adorn'd. 
Of facred Truth, though Pilate nothing knew, 
He gave the title to Meffias due. 

The thieves on either hand on croffes hung, 
And one reviled Him with a hell-fired tongue 5 
If Thou art Chrift, Thyfelf and us now free, 
And fave us from this painful, murdering tree. 
The other made a pious, grave reply, 
Oj))') (((.(^ How dareft thou with words reproachful die ? 
We of our crimes the juft chaftifement bear ; 
Pilate was forced Him guiltlefs to declare ; 
Of God's tremendous bar haft thou no fear, 




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WEDNESDAY BEFORE EASTER 

At which we in few minutes muft appear ? 

With that, he deeply fighing for fins paft, 

Soft, penitential eyes on Jefus caft, 

Ah Lord, remember me, he humbly cried, 

When Thou art in Thy kingdom glorified ! 

At the firft triumph which His Crofs had made, 

Jefus, amidft His pains, was pleafed, and faid, 

Die with this confolation, thou fhalt be 

This very day in Paradife with Me. 

One acl: intenfe may in God's mild repute 

For a whole age of penances commute. 

High Heaven, which could not the fad fight 

endure, 
To fee the Source of Light Divine, obfcure, 
Its cheerful glories on a fudden fhrouds, 
In thick, black, mournful, confluential clouds ; 
The fun, who of its light then wholly fail'd, 
The full-cheek'd moon which hinder'd it, bewail'd ; 
The fpheres, which moved in harmony before, 
Began in groans their Maker to deplore ; 
Sun, moon, and ftars, withdrew their confcious 

light, 
Egypt ne'er felt fuch horrid, difmal night ; 
From the fixth hour until the ninth, the realm 
Of darknefs feem'd the land to overwhelm ; 
The foldiers in four parts His veflure tear, 
Each fcoffing claims a remnant for his fhare ; 
But for His feamlefs coat, they lots would throw, 
Fulfilling what the prophecies fore-fhew. 





4-2 



WEDNESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 

As on the Crofs affli&ed Jefus hangs, 
Opprefs'd with ftrong, innumerable pangs, 
To heighten inward dolours, all the pains 
He for His perfecutors there fuftains, 
He's contemn'd, fcorn'd, mock'd, and paftime 

made, 
By thofe for whom He fo dear ranfom paid. 
Nothing can more heart-breaking grief excite 
Than utmoft love, repaid with utmoft fpite. 
The Jews, by torch-light, as His Pangs they eye, 
Wagging their heads, in loud derifion cry, 
Thou, Who didft boaft the Temple to deftroy, 
And in three days rebuild, Thy power employ 
To faveThyfelf ; now from the Crofs come down, 
And take pofleffion of the Jewifli crown, 
Thefcribes, chief-priefts,and rulers, fcoffing rave, 
Let the world's Saviour try Himfelf to fave. 
If Thou art Chrift, God's Son, and Ifrael's King, 
Come from the Crofs, and we'll Thy triumph fing; 
In God He trufted, Who no faint forfakes, 
God Him abandons, and no pity takes. 
The cruel foldiers at His groans exult, 
And with rude mockery o'er Him infult. 
Curfed leading ghofts, and all their helliih train, 
Feafted their malice with His boundlefs pain ; 
Even Envy, never fated fince the fall, 
Stood non-plufs'd, boafting fhe had done her all ; 
And the damn'd ghofts from Tophet with her 

flown, 
All envied her the envy fhe had mown. 




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143 



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WEDNESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 

But the moft tender Wound our Lord received, 
Was to behold His deareft Mother grieved ; 
The Virgin, John, and Saints of either kind, 
Who thither came, themfelves to grief refign'd : 
He in the weeping crowd His Mother fpies, 
Bemoaning Him, with foft, heart-draining eyes. 
Maternal pity pierced her through and through, 
Up to the hilt her fword-like forrow flew, 
At the wide-gaping wound her foul took vent, 
And in out-flowing yearnings was nigh fpent ; 
When His foft, melting Eyes towards John He 

roll'd, 
Blefs'd Woman, there thy Son, faid He, behold, 
Then John's regard He towards His Mother drew, 
Loved John, He adds, thy future Mother view. 
Thence John his houfe the Virgin's manfion 

made, 
And always filial duty to her paid. 

Our Lord, with anguim infinite o'erprefs'd, 
Was, with man's guilt and wrath it drew, dif- 

trefs'd. 
While Godhead, from humanity withdrawn, 
Gave Him no one confolatory dawn ; 
No tongue His unimaginable woes, 
During that fhort fufpenfion, can difclofe. 
What is the lofs of Godhead ? Who can think, 
To finite, from infinity to fink ? 
A lofs like this, our fuffering Jefus grieved, 
Of influential Deity bereav'd ; 




144 



WEDNESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 



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While in a dying paroxyfm He fpake, 

My God, my God, why doft Thou Me forfake ? 

Strong dolours, not diftruft, made this complaint, 

My God, implies aflurance of a faint. 

Then, all His death-predi£tions to conclude, 

He cried, I thirft ! and a tormentor rude 

A hyffop-reed, which with a fponge was tipp'd, 

In vinegar and gall by malice dipp'd, 

Prefented, to embitter His laft breath, 

And irritate the agonies of death. 

Our Lord received the loathfome drops, and cried, 

The prophecies are now all verified ; 

O Father, I Thy Prieft, to Thy mild eyes 

Prefent Myfelf for men a Sacrifice ; 

Their (hame, guilt, woes, concentre on my Head, 

For them I now My Blood vicarious fhed. 

If this Thy wrath, O Father, not atones, 

O ftill prolong and multiply My groans ! 

In pity to loft man I'll fuffer more, 

That to Thy favour I may him reftore ; 

That I may fave him from eternal pain, 

Though love for Love he pays Me not again. 

But if I now have paid the utmoft mite, 

O let My pangs Thy pity foft excite : 

O Father, to My dolours put an end, 

Into Thy Hands My Spirit I commend ! 

Paternal God declared His wrath appeafed, 

And with the Offering infinitely pleafed. 

His head in adoration He inclined, 

And to His Father His dear Soul refign'd. 



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WEDNESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 

Bright Michael, with twelve legions, who had 
ftay'd 
To give, if call'd, afflicted Jefus aid, 
A fquadron fent to plague apoftate ghofts, 
Who of deftroying Jefus made their boafts ; 
They lafh'd the fiends to hell, with terrors feared, 
Where new-forged tortures were for all prepared ; 
Curfed Invida with her own faws they jag, 
And in the furrows of the filthy hag 
They her own ferpents and her vipers cramm'd, 
And to accumulated torments damn'd. 

All Nature, when the God of Nature bled, 
Was ftruck with horrid, univerfal dread, 
Defpairing Filial God to have furvived, 
From Whofe high will it origin derived. 
The rocks cleft, earth to hell began to quake, 
And to increafe the fiery brimftone lake ; 
From its dark, fubterraneous ftores to throw 
Whole mines of flaming fulphur down below j 
Infernal ghofts ne'er fufFer'd, fince they fell, 
So hot, fo infupportable a hell ; 
And all the tortured fpirits curfed the day 
When they fent Judas, Jefus to betray ; 
The graves flew open, and expofed their ftore, 
And into bodies fhook the human ore ; 
The troubled fea its bed no longer kept, 
But o'er its mores its inundations wept ; 
The temple corner-ftones were feen to yield, 
And to and fro the labouring fabric reel'd ; 




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WEDNESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 

The hallow'd loaves were thrown the floor about, 
And the feven golden burning lamps went out, 
The facred incenfe loft its odorous fcent, 
The awful veil was into pieces rent, 
The trembling priefts leave holy rites undone, 
Affrighted Levites from their ftations run, 
Harps, pfalteries, cymbals, trumpets, on the ground 
Lie bruifed and broken all the Temple round. 
Caiaphas hid his felf-upbraiding head, 
The impious Council were from Gazith fled ; 
Black horrors haunted the accurfed room, 
Where envious linners hatch'd their Saviour's 

doom ; 
The evening lamb, which was but newly fired, 
As on the Crofs the Lamb of God expired, 
Grew on the altar, on a fudden, cold, 
And from the grate the dying embers roll'd. 

The Pagan foldiers trembled in their ftands, 
Down dropp'd their weapons from their feeble 

hands, 
None ever had recover'd of the fright, 
Had not our God reftored the folar light. 
Aloud the thoughtful, wife centurion cried, 
The Mighty Son of God is crucified ; 
Each envious Jew-fpectator fmote his breaft, 
And in his actions plainly Chrift confefs'd, 
They all, convicted at that moving fight, 
Denied Meffias only out of fpite ; 
Tyrannic fin of empire lay bereft, 



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WEDNESDAY BEFORE EASTER. 

The idol ghofts their tottering temples left, 

Of their own fatal oracles afraid ; 

Which, forced by Heaven, unwelcome truth 

difplay'd. 
Eden's bright cherub fheathed his two-edged flame, 
Heaven bid him open Paradife proclaim, 
Fear the old world into hard labour threw, 
It groan'd till 'twas deliver'd of a new. 

If heaven and earth, dear Lord, Thy Paflion felt, 
Ah ! how mould I with love and forrow melt ! 
Thy precious blood 'twas wicked I who fpilt, 
I grieved, I pierced, I nail'd Thee by my guilt. 
Lord, to thofe very Wounds I gored I fly, 
My hopes of pardon in my outrage lie ; 
As Thy dear fweeteft Mother faw Thy fmart, 
Thou, when the fword went through her tender 

heart, 
With weapon-love didft then anoint the blade, 
It gently cured, juft as the wound it made; 
May I, in penitential tears immerfed, 
Contemplate Thee, my Jefus, Whom I pierced, 
And by fweet fympathy Thy anguifh feel, 
Deep wound my heart with Love, and wounding, 

heal. 



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All praife to Jefus ! who, lapfed man to 
Hung on the painful, ignominious Tree. 
Glory to Jefus ! the whole mount replied, 
Offended God, Who for offenders died. 



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THURSDAY BEFORE EASTER. 



THURSDAY BEFORE EASTER. 

The Lord Jefus the fame night in which he was betrayed 
took bread : And when He had given thanks, He brake 
it, and faid, Take, eat : this is my body. — i Cor. xi. 23-4. 

HOWGodheadtoour human flefh was join'd, 
Tranfcends the reach of an angelic mind. 
How God and Man with bread and wine unite, 
Is too fublime for bounded human fight : 
To boundelfs Godhead both united are, 
God tabernacles here, and temples there. 
There Undivided God and man exift, 
The flefh aflumed is ne'er to be difmifs'd ; 
'Tis tranfient here, and when a Judas eats 
The facred bread, Chrift's Shechinah retreats. 
The day and night each other frill expel, 
Pure God in fouls impure can never dwell. 
God, to exalt His power, and man debafe, 
Inftitutes mean conveyances of grace. 
Blefs'd water in the font is ftill the fame, 
As when unbleft it from the river came, 
Though worthlefs in itfelf, in facred ufe 
It graces fuper-human can produce. 
Thus bread and wine, by Jefus fet apart, 
Prefentiate God Incarnate to the heart. 
Wife gracious God, fign e&ypal 1 ne'er made, 

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THURSDAY BEFORE EASTER. 



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By which the archetype fhould be convey'd ; 
But every faint in the appointed fign 
Partakes of the Original Divine. 

When Peter cried out finking in the wave, 
And Jefus ftretch'd His Hand the faint to fave, 
M ', Had Jefus been in Heaven when Peter pray'd, 
And fent invifible, yet mighty aid, 
He as effectually had Peter freed, 
Had been as prefent in the time of need, 
As if He had been treading on the main, 
And reach'd His Hand His votary to fuftain. 
Chrift's virtual Prefence may as Real be, 
As if we mould His Perfon prefent fee. 

Writ Sacred, baptifm, fanctity and prayer, 
All to derive God's grace true conduits are : 
But His propitious wifdom found a way, 
More Love to lhed, more bleffing to convey ; 
The greateft Love unbounded God could mow, 
Was to refign His Son to bear our woe. 
The greateft Love could from the Son proceed, 
Was to affume our flefh, and for us bleed. 
The Eucharift to fouls both Loves difplays, 
Love emulous of infinite to raife ; 
As if to die had been a love too low, 
He on His lovers would Himfelf beftow. 
Our Lord Himfelf becomes our heavenly 

meat, 
United to us like the food we eat. 










150 




w 



THURSDAY BEFORE EASTER. 

The faints, next hypoftatic union, none 
More noble than the facramental own. 

O wondrous feaft ! which manna far exceeds, 
In which each faint on God Incarnate feeds. 
The manna which God's wandering Ifrael fed 
Was mortal food, the eaters all are dead ; 
But Jefus, our Immortal Food, remains, 
And fouls to all eternity fuftains. 

Lord, Who to wafh Thy votaries' feet didft 
deign, 
Ere feafted with the Lamb unfpotted flain ; 
Set open a full fpring in either eye, 
Which a capacious laver may fupply : 
That, bathed all o'er in penitential tear, 
I at Thy blifsful feaft may clean appear. 
But tears can never cleanfe fpiritual ftains, 
Wafh me in drops of Thy own bleeding Veins. 
Thy purple Blood can wafh a finner white, 
And change dark fpots to a celeftial bright. 

When at Thy Altar, Lord, I proftrate fall, 
Thy dolorous crucifixion to recall, 
Make my foul fuel to fupernal fire, 
Into my heart devotion warm infpire. 
Shame and contrition vilenefs to deplore, 
Firm refolutions never to fin more ; 
An humble, pure, and charitable mind, 




GOOD FRIDAY. 



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From all remains of wilful fin refined. 
Faith, hope, defire, joy,praife, thankfgiving, zeal, 
Languors, and ardours which Thy lovers feel ; 
All grateful pamons which have ever ftream'd 
From finners by the Blood of God redeem'd. 
Into all love my powers, my fpirit turn, 
Love which unquenchable may ever burn ; 
May every thought I of Thy fufferings frame 
Suftain, invigorate, increafe the flame. 
Nourifh'd by Thee, I no fatigue fhall feel, 
And tread Thy fteps with perfevering zeal ; 
Or if Thou fhorten by the crofs my way, 
Fill'd with Thy Love, I gladly fhall obey. 
Before Thy death this Feaft Thou didft ordain, 
The antidote againft internal pain. 
Thy faints will imitate Thy folemn care, 
And by the Altar for the crofs prepare. 



GOOD FRIDAY. 

A SONG of Jefus I defign, 
But flumble at the leading line, 
Of Jefus' Paflion I would fing, 
And for this day's oblation bring ; 
But cannot the difpute decide 
'Twixt Grief and Love, which me divide. 

When Jefus' fufferings I review, 
And know myfelf to be the Jew, 



m 




GOOD FRIDAY. 



Whofe fins created all the woe 
God flefh afiumed to undergo \ 
I dread my guilt, and in my eyes 
Of tears I feel two fountains rife. 

But when fweet Jefus to my fight 
Appears in a falvific light, 
Where on the Crofs He fuffers pain, 
That I may blifs eternal gain, 
O then my heart with love runs o'er, 
And is inclined to grieve no more. 

While thus my foul is at a bay, 
Which of the paffions me mail fway, 
Mind on a fudden intervenes, 
And with fweet temper both ferenes ; 
She promifes fhe'll both permit, 
And to keep peace their umpire fit. 

Mind bids me grief and love unite, 
And then from both a fong indite ; 
For hallow' d grief from love is bred, 
Love only grateful tears can fhed ; 
Love for ofFending Love immenfe, 
Lefs eyeing vengeance than offence. 

To Love entirely then my mind 
The conduct of my tears refign'd ; 
And from the Garden I began 
To trace the fufferings of God-man ; 




53 



GOOD FRIDAY. 



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I felt into foft tears devout 

Love at firft entrance burfting out. 

I kept it lively in my mind, 
That God and man in Jefus join'd, 
That Godhead every foul foreknows, 
For whom the Manhood fuffers woes ; 
And while His pains my ranfom bought, 
I and my fins were in His thought. 

Mind could no pang of Jefus fee, 
But ftill me cried, It is for me ; 
I the inflammative received, 
And ail the way both loved and grieved ; 
God-man for me enduring fmart, 
Both deluged and enflamed my heart. 

I faw Incarnate God at prayer, 
With awful, yet enamouring air, 
Each tear Paternal God endear'd, 
He humbly loved, He fweetly fear'd, 
He kneel'd, fell proftrate on the ground, 
Alpired with ardency profound. 

Complaint of inward grief He made, 
I faw dire pangs His foul invade, 
With tears He ofFer'd up ftrong cries, 
Ah then I faw Him agonize, 
Ah ! I beheld the furface wet 
With droppings of His bloody fweat. 



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GOOD FRIDAY. 



He His own load forefaw, had fenfe 
Of fin, and of God's wrath immenfe, 
And pray'd that He the cup might waive, 
If a lefs price lapfed man would fave ; 
Yet, to His Father's Will refign'd, 
Content to fuffer for mankind. 

I loved and grieved at Jems' pain 
I faw Him for my fins fuftain ; 
Yet only eyed the outward part, 
And could not reach His dolorous Heart 
His forrows there none ever knew, 
Too infinite for bounded view. 

With grief His prayer grew fo intenfe, 
Methought His Godhead in fufpenfe ; 
Withheld confolatory beam, 
That agony might be extreme. 
Of fuch fufpenfe what heart can guefs 
The unconceivable diftrefs ? 

God fent an angel from the throne, 
With fweet fupports to eafe His moan ; 
And fince He fuffer'd in the place 
Of Adam's univerfal race, 
We judge His woes proportion'd were 
To all the guilt He deign'd to bear. 

To God as He refign'd His will, 
He rofe to meet approaching ill. 




x 55 




GOOD FRIDAY. 



I flood the traitor to behold, 
Who for vile price his Matter fold ; 
I faw God-man from lips impure 
With patience meek a kifs endure. 

I faw the arm'd inhuman bands 
Stretch towards God-man audacious hands, 
His Voice {truck all to earth with dread, 
He fuffering each to raife his head, 
They Him when bound to Annas drew, 
While from their Lord His votaries flew. 

With Jews was leagued infernal power, 
Curfed Satan knew the fatal hour, 
His legions he review'd, and all 
The devils, to revenge their fall, 
Blafpheming vow'd, with utmoft might, 
On God's loved Son to wreak their fpite. 

My love began frefh tears to fhed, 
When Jefus was to Caiaphas led, 
With the High-prieft the Council join'd, 
All in His violent death combined, 
With envious rage I faw them fwell, 
All unappeafable as hell. 

With bufferings they Him alTail'd, 
His Face they fpit on and then veil'd, 
Bid Him by prophecy difclofe 
Which was the hand that gave the blows 





jiila 



Shame mix'd with pain in all His woe, 
Ills which from fin coeval flow. 

To Pilate next they drag Him bound, 
With cruel clamours Him furround : 
The Pagan the accufed acquits, 
And ftraight to Herod Him tranfmits ; 
He and His guards meek Jefus made 
Their fcorn, and in mock-white array'd. 

To Pilate back they Jefus fent 
He, Jewifh malice to prevent, 
Propofed that Jefus at the Feaft, 
Might be the criminal releafed ; 
But for a murderer they cry, 
Barabbas free, let Jefus die ! 

My Love, my Tear now higher rife, 
Incarnate God is in your eyes 
Tied to a pillar, naked, ftript, 
By unrelenting foldiers whipt, 
His facred flefh is wound all o'er, 
His blood is ftreams, 'twas rills before. 

Thus bleeding, with redoubled rage, 
They choofe the common-hall their ftage, 
They crown Him with a wreath of thorn, 
With a mock-purple robe adorn, 
For fceptre they provide a reed, 
And to infult Him all agreed. 




'57 



GOOD FRIDAY. 



With bended knee, Hail, King ! they cried, 
Spat on His Face, and mockeries vied, 
Then took the reed, and fmote His crown, 
To make the thorns fink deeper down - y 
To Jews God-man, thus full of woes, 
To move their pity, Pilate mews. 

The hell-infuriated crowd 
Reiterate, Crucify ! aloud, 
On our own heads and race the guilt 
Shall reft, foon as His Blood is fjpilt : 
And Pilate, by their threats inclined, 
The guiltlefs to their rage confign'd. 

My Love, my Tear, your force collecl:, 
You now muft on the Crofs reflecT:, 
There pain and fhame are at full ftrefs, 
And for my fins God-man opprefs ; 
See, He begins the dolorous way, 
From Pilate's houfe to Golgotha. 

His facred head with thorn is crown'd, 
His bleeding furrows dye the ground, 
In His own garments re-array'd, 
His ponderous Crofs is on Him laid, 
With bleeding faint, o'erwhelm'd with woes, 
Beneath His load He trembling goes. 

Ah ! now He finks, and to fuftain 
His burden, Simon they conftrain, 




GOOD FRIDAY. 



Love wifh'd herfelf had then been feized, 
Her fuffering Saviour to have eafed, 
My Love, my Tear, you now muft count 
The dolours felt on Calvary mount. 

Inftead of the accuftomed wine, 
They offer a mock anodyne, 
For wonted myrrh malicious Jews 
The moft embittering gall infufe, 
No anodyne blefs'd Jefus knew 
But Will Divine, and lips withdrew. 

Between two thieves He thither came, 
To ftigmatize Him with their fhame, 
Then naked, to augment His woe, 
Him on the Crofs fupine they throw, 
Nail Hands and Feet, with gorings pain'd, 
Unfluice His blood, till now undrain'd. 

The Crofs between the thieves they raife ; 
Soon as the crowd upon Him gaze, 
They wag their heads, mock, grin, blafpheme, 
With ragings various and extreme, 
He, patient, for tormentors pray'd, 
With gracious yearnings hate repay'd. 

Of thieves, the bad 'gainft Jefus raved, 
The good His pity meekly craved, 
Blefs'd Jefus fpake, immenfely prone 
To eafe a penitential moan. 




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59 




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GOOD FRIDAY. 



Thy foul the angels mail this day 
To Paradife with Me convey. 

While Jefus on the Crofs was nail'd, 
The fun in clouds its fplendour veil'd, 
At the eclipfe of Fontal Light, 
Fear'd it mould never more be bright, 
In fhame and pain three hours He hung. 
Shot through with darts of venom'd tongue. 

My Love, my Tear, you weeping fee 
The Virgin-Mother near the Tree, 
O learn of her to love and weep, 
And Jefus in your heart to keep, 
Yet even her tender Love and Tear 
Reach'd only woes me faw appear. 

The length, the breadth, the depth, the height 
Of inward woe tranfcended fight, 
Ah, could our elevated eye 
Into His dolorous Spirit pry, 
A forrow infinite is there, 
No fpeech angelic can declare. 

Mad dogs from the infernal dark, 
About the Crofs at Jefus bark, 
Their foam they in fuggeftions vent, 
And all His inward pangs foment, 
And yet their ftudied utmoft fpite 
No one repining could excite. 



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160 



GOOD FRIDAY. 



My God, My God, I agonize, 
Why doft Thou Me forfake ? He cries, 
Ne'er fince the world began was known 
Such an immenfe heart-breaking groan, 
God-man ne'er made complaint in vain, 
'Twas but proportion'd to His pain. 

Reflux of Godhead Him relieves, 
'Tis but fhort time blefs'd Jefus grieves, 
Yet that fhort time God's mercy fways, 
Man's ranfom to His juftice pays, 
Since God's co-equal undergoes 
The quinteffence of finners' woes. 

Paternal God's co-boundlefs Son, 
For finners now His all has done, 
His head He to His Father bends, 
His foul into His Hands commends, 
And fweetly breathing out His laft, 
Into His Father's Bofom pafs'd. 

The God of Life gave up the Ghoft, 
Amazed ftood the angelic hoft ; 
Curfed fiends were lafh'd to treble pain, 
The Temple-veil was rent in twain, 
Earth quaked, back flew the ocean-waves, 
Rocks cleft, and open ftood the graves. 

The good centurion Jefus own'd, 
The very crowd His woes bemoan'd ; 



: 




GOOD FRIDAY. 



And of His death all doubt to clear, 
His Side was wounded with a fpear : 
That wound the Jewiih outrage clofed, 
And then He in His grave repofed, 

Soon as I faw blefs'd Jefus dead, 
I found fad Tear from Love was fled ; 
Love, left alone, with joy beheld 
His fhame, His anguifh now difpell'd \ 
With that me call'd to hymn for aid, 
In fong His Love fhe re-furvey'd. 

All praife be to Incarnate God, 
Who for my fake the wine-prefs trod, 
Who in pure, boundlefs Love inclined 
To give His life for lapfed mankind, 
Who miferies immenfe endured, 
That I might live from all fecured. 

May I, like blefTed Paul, to know 
Dear Jefus, my choice hours bellow, 
The Crofs is the fole book I need, 
In that all-faving truths I read, 
God's attributes all harmonized, 
Evanid 1 wealth, pomp, joys, defpifed. 

Man's heinous guilt apparent made, 
For which the Blood of God was paid, 
Sin's curfed attendants, pain and fhame, 
With horrors of infernal flame, 

1 Vain, apt to decay. 



'WMZC 








EASTER EVEN. 



Death and the terrors of the grave, 
From which God-man could only fave. 

All graces which adorn the mind, 
An ardent love, a will refign'd, 
A lamb-like meeknefs, confcience clean, 
A patience humble and ferene, 
Obedience conftant and fincere, 
Undaunted courage, filial fear ; 

Large charity, a temper fweet, 
All men like brethren prone to treat, 
Devotion fix'd, a zeal right aim'd, 
Self-holocauft, all paffions tamed ; 
I with all thefe, and numerous more, 
From Jems' Crofs myfelf may ftore. 

Lord, in Thy Crofs is all my truft, 
I'll crucify all fenfual guft, 
And if Thou call'ft me to the flake, 
Help me to fufFer for Thy fake, 
Thy Crofs I'll daily keep in eye, 
And learn from that to love and die. 



EASTER EVEN. 



GOD-MAN, Who on the dolorous Tree 
Didft facrifice Thyfelf for me, 
For me ! O wonder ! What am I, 
That great God-man mould for me die ? 




EASTER EVEN. 



I who 'gainft Love immenfe rebel, 
A flave to fin, and claim'd by hell. 

But Thou haft my deliverance wrought, 
Thou haft me out of flavery bought, 
Thou boundlefs vengeance haft allay'd, 
By price ineftimable paid ; 
I am by purchafe wholly Thine, 
And juftly can ftyle nothing mine. 

Ah wo is me 1 I Lord am prone 

To rob Thee hourly of Thy own, 

For fenfual joys I oft purvey, 

Which fteal from Thee my heart away, 

Thou canft no facrilege endure, 

My heart, O help me to fecure ! 

God-man, while here to live He deign'd, 
In felf-oblation ftill remain'd : 
Centred in Jefus I fhould live, 
Myfelf entirely to Him give, 
Himfelf He to redeem me gave, 
Which makes me His devoted flave. 

His flave ? O no, in pity He 

From ghoftly bondage fet me free, 

By His own Blood He me redeem'd, 

That I fhould be His friend efteem'd. 

Strange Love to flaves, which thought tranfcends. 

God bleeds to raife them to His friends ! 




EASTER-DAT. 



I with my Friend mould fympathife, 

And live to Thee in facrifice, 

I will remember what I coft, 

Thou, Lord, fhouldft all my powers exhauft, 

My faith mould keep my Friend in fight, 

His Will fhould be my fole delight. 

The more fouls love, the more they ftrive 
To their friend's likenefs to arrive ; 
My foul, Lord, Thy Veronique 1 make ; 
That I may Thy refemblance take, 
That Will may be in both the fame, 
And both may have one heavenly aim. 



EASTER - DAY. 

SAY, blefTed angels, fay, 
How could you filent be to-day ? 
Your hymn the fhepherds waked that morn, 
When great God-man was born, 

1 It is an ancient tradition that when our Saviour was 
on His way to Calvary, bearing His crofs, He parted by the 
door of a companionate woman, who, beholding the drops 
of agony on His brow, wiped His face with a napkin, or, 
as others fay, with her veil, and the features of Chrift 
remained miraculoufly imprefled upon the linen. To this 
image was given the name of Vera Icon — the true image — 
fubfequently, the name given to the image was infenfibly 
transferred to the woman of whom the legend is related. — 
Jameson's Sacred and Legendary Art (1848), vol. ii.p. 269. 





EASTER-DAT. 



But when He rofe again, 
They heard no Euchariftic ftrain. 

You faw God-man expire, 

Did you His rifing not admire ? 

How when His foul at parting breath 
Enter'd the realm of death, 
He conquering forced His way, 

And re-infpired His buried clay. 

Had you His rife admired, 
Hymn is by admiration fired ; 
But you profoundly were amazed 

When you upon Him gazed ; 

And while amazement reigns, 
It all poetic force reftrains. 

Your intellectual eyes 
Saw Heaven and earth from nothing rife, 
You then admired the noble fight, 

And hymn'd God's boundlefs might ; 

Yourfelves from nothing raifed, 
In your firft moment Godhead praifed. 

When you faw Jefus dead, 
The ftrangenefs then was mix ? d with dread, 
The King of Terrors had furprifed 

God-man when facriflced, 

You ghofls apoftate quell'd, 
Yet with amaze that Death beheld. 








EASTER-DAT. 



At Jefus' dying groan, 
The graves by earthquake open thrown, 
All the tremendous horrors fhew'd, 
In frightful death's abode, 
You with amazement faw 
God-man the tyrant over-awe, 

Amaze not long could laft, 
But into admiration pafs'd ; 
The wonder calmly you conceived, 

And grace of hymn retrieved ; 

And hymning ftill remain 
The Lamb triumphant, Who was flain. 

To a fublimer height 
That I may faith and love excite, 
I Calvary this morn intend, 
As pilgrim to afcend, 
To fee the hallow'd ground, 
For Jefus' fepulchre renown'd. 



Impulfed with zeal, my mind 
Soon reach'd the mountain I defign'd ; 
Two angels there I could behold, 
Who firft the rifing told, 
Came down on radiant wing 
Their Eafter annual hymn to fing. 

I heard them with delight, 
And as they fpread their wings for flight, 




sfWY^ 



EASTER-DAT. 



In Jefus' Name befought their ftay, 

To perfe& my furvey : 

The angel, they replied, 
Who guards the mount, will be your guide. 

My fervour to foment, 
The Guardian mildly gave confent, 
And, left my fight mould be opprefs'd, 

He damp'd His glorious veft ; 

I then to every place 
Could every leading footftep trace. 

Within, faid he, the womb 
Of this hard rock was Jems' tomb, 
That ponderous ftone which on it lay 

The angel moved away, 

Defcending in pure white, 
With look like awful lightning bright. 

The guards his prefence fear'd, 
And like dead men all pale appear'd, 
The folid earth's foundations fhook, 

Down as his flight he took, 

In open'd graves the juft 
Felt life rekindling in their duft. 

Clothed in celeftial ray, 
There Heaven's two envoys fix'd their ftay, 
Each on the ftone pofTefs'd his feat, 

At Jefu's head and feet, 




EASTER-DAT, 



To watch 'gainft Jew and hell, 
And to good fouls glad tidings tell. 

The female faints took care 
Embalming odours to prepare, 
To Jefus they firft honour gave, 

They faw the empty grave, 

And Magdalen took flight, 
To tell His votaries the fight. 

Loved John and Peter ran 
To fearch the grave where lay God-man, 
The fhroud and napkin they admired, 
Yet in fufpenfe retired, 
Diffidence veil'd their eyes, 
Slow to believe their Lord mould rife. 

Soft Mary there remain'd, 
That fhe had loft her Lord complain'd 
To the two angels with fad tears, 

While her dear Lord appears, 

At Whofe reviving beams 
Sweet tears of joy flow'd down in ftreams. 

Of all the truths reveal'd, 
The rifing is moft firmly feal'd, 
Heaven took peculiar care that none 
Who think, mould it difown 
That, Love Divine to fire 
The motive might remain entire. 




169 




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EASTER-DAT. 



The angels from the Throne, 
Sent to the monumental ftone ; 
The faints who, rifen from the dead, 

The truth o'er Salem fpread ; 

The earthquake which expofed 
The graves, and fcatter'd duft reclofed ; 

The prophecies of old; 
Types which the promifed Seed enfold ; 
Our Lord's predictions now fulfill'd ; 

The lie by Jews inftill'd ; 

The guards who truth confefs'd, 
The Refurre&ion co-atteft. 

From death blefs'd Jefus rear'd, 
Ten feveral times to faints appear'd, 
Was undeniably made known 

To votaries when alone, 

Oft when in numbers join'd, 
Who view'd Him with confiderate mind. 

Five hundred you might count, 
Who faw Him on the hallow'd mount ; 
He forty days with faints difcourfed, 
Truths heavenly reinforced, 
With them He drank and eat, 
By miracle created meat. 

When prefent to their view, 
His Voice they heard, His Shape they knew, 



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EASTER-DAT, 



His Hands, and Feet, and wounded Side, 

They felt and nicely eyed, 

Infallibly aflured 
'Twas Jefus, Who the Crofs endured. 

Full power blefs'd Jefus gain'd, 
By which o'er Heaven and earth He reign'd ; 
The power which Heaven on Him beftow'd, 

From Him to votaries flow'd j 

All fent with aid Divine, 
To teach the Faith of Godhead Trine. 

To them He promifed might, 
To put infernal ghofts to flight, 
The force of all difeafe to break, 

In various tongues to fpeak, 

Drink poifons moft acute, 
Or crufh the moft envenom'd brute. 

That, in cleft tongues of fire, 
The Holy Ghoft mould them infpire ; 
His influence mould with them remain 

When He mould blifs obtain ; 

All punaually fulfill'd 
When they began the Church to build. 

* Succeeding faints, who weigh'd 
Thofe motives when together laid, 
To Jefus with firm faith ahhered, 
And love which nothing fear'd. 




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EASTER-DAT. 



Thus God to faints abounds, 
And faith in conftellation founds. 

Spite Pagan, magic (kill, 
The devils from their minds of ill, 
Fierce tyrants, who long rack'd their brains 
For quinteffential pains, 
Though they the faints alTail'd, 
The Refurre&ion ftill prevail'd. 

This, when the angel faid, 
In wonted fplendour re-array'd, 
He ftraight invifible retired, 

Left me with truth infpired : 

I gracious God adored, 
Who faith with fuch bright motives ftored. 

God-man be ever praifed, 
Who, when from death Himfelf He raifed, 
That He our joy might not delay, 

Rofe early the third day ; 

And yet entomb'd fo long, 
Gave of His death conviction ftrong. 

God-man be loved, Who rofe 
Victorious o'er infernal foes, 
Who death, and fin, and hell difarm'd, 

That lovers might unharm'd 

Live, of their blifs fecure, 
And gladly fhort-lived woes endure. 



% 




172 



MONDAY IN EASTER WEEK. 

From fin which fouls deftroys, 
By deadnefs to celeftial joys. 
May I, with penitential cries, 
To a new life arife, 
And reft when I revive, 
Dead to the world, to Heaven alive. 



MONDAY IN EASTER WEEK. 



mim 



Yea, and certain women alfo of our company made us 
aftonifhed, which were early at the fepulchre ; and when 
they found not His body, they came, faying, that they had 
alfo feen a virion of angels, which faid that He was alive. 

S. Luke xxiv. 22, 23. 

WHEN Jefus Truth celeftial taught, 
And miracles propitious wrought, 
And humble, in a Life Divine, 
Difplay'd the Love of Godhead Trine, 
That penitents might pardon gain, 
And with God-man in glory reign. 

The tender fex to Him adhered, 

His awful goodnefs fome revered, 

Some for the loaves made up His train, 

Some cure for ailments to obtain ; 

But none till Magdalen appear'd 

To have from guilt her confcience clear'd. 




173 




She early to blefs'd Jefus came, 

Led by the odour of His Name, 

All fouls, with fin's hard bondage tired, 

A Jefus ardently defired, 

And foon as fhe of Jefus heard, 

Jefus was to her heart endear'd. 

But oh ! how could a guilty breaft, 
While by feven devils 'twas poflefs'd, 
Give entrance to the Godhead pure, 
Or God that odious fight endure ? 
Jefus firft drave the fiends away, 
And cleanfed her fpirit with His ray. 

Great God, though outraged by our fins, 

In pity yet our change begins, 

O wondrous Love, 'twas that which broke 

The finful Mary's grievous yoke, 

She inftantly impatient grew, 

To keep fweet Jefus in her view. 

From the firft moment of her turn, 
The Love divine began to burn ; 
A finner who her fin bewails 
Weighs fin and pardon in juft fcales ; 
Dear Jefus' Name them both involves, 
And hearts to love and tear diffolves. 



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7 



When fouls in love with Jefus fall, 
They confecrate to Him their all : 




*74 



1 



EASTER WEEK. 



Mary a box of ointment brought, 
Which for a liberal fum me bought, 
Yet 'twas too mean, in her eileem, 
For Him, Who mould the world redeem. 

Entering where Simon made his treat, 
She with her tears wafh'd Jems' Feet, 
Then kifs'd them, to give Love its mare, 
And wiped them with her loofen'd hair -, 
Then on His Head pour'd rich perfume, 
Which fweetly fcented all the room. 

O heart, by Jefus highly prized, 
Soften'd by Love, in tears baptized ! 
From fins habitual, numerous, great, 
Your Abfolution was complete, 
Jefus Himfelf to fpeak it deign'd, 
From thence you lead a life unftain'd. 

When Jefus journey'd to and fro, 
Seed heavenly o'er the land to fow, 
The female votaries, by you led, 
Still follow'd His inftrudtive tread ; 
You from your ftores His wants relieved, 
And for the ills He fuffer'd grieved. 

But when you through the dolorous way 
Follow'd God-man to Golgotha, 
Your love, your tear, feem'd then at height, 
At that fad, wondrous, tender fight, 




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MONDAY IN 



Yet .both increafed each ftep you trod, 
After diftrefs'd Incarnate God. 

Out of your broken heart there came 
A flood of tears, a fervent flame, 
The flood ran down, the flame afpired, 
One moiften'd, and the other fired, 
Yet they in mutual aids combined, 
And in one centre Jefus join'd. 

Each dolour which you wept to fee, 
Your love cried out, Ah ! 'tis for me, 
You in His veft beheld the ftains 
Of His late agonizing pains, 
Frefh blood, from gorings of His crown, 
And from His furrows trickling down. 

You faw Him with the Crofs opprefs'd, 

How on Mount Calvary diftrefs'd, 

You on the Crofs beheld Him laid, 

The wounds which by the nails were made, 

Saw Blood from His wide nailings ftream, 

And heard fpe£tators Him blafpheme. 

His dolorous cry you heard Him make, 
My God, why doft Thou Me forfake ? 
With gall you faw His potion mix'd, 
And with a fpear His Side transfix'd, 
To His blefs'd Mother you flood near, 
And vied with her in love and tear. 



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EASTER WEEK. 



You faw His Soul its manfion quit, 
The Lord of Life to death fubmit, 
Recounting then the boundlefs pain 
You faw God-man for you fuftain, 
You faw the guilt of fin difplay'd, 
When dying God our ranfom paid. 

As at dear Jefus' Crofs you flood, 
Weeping from either eye a flood, 
'Twas then your tendereft love and tear 
Fill'd all the expanfion of its fphere, 
While your compaffionating eyes 
Saw love unbounded agonife. 

Of Jefus' love a lively fenfe, 
Mournful, endearing, and intenfe, 
To martyr's height raifed love and tear, 
Love which like Jefus caft out fear ; 
In grace your progrefs was much more 
Than e'er it was in fin before. 

Eve's guilty daughters, who mail hear 
The blifs you gain'd by love and tear, 
Will of their fins take ftricl: review, 
They'll ftrive to love and weep like you, 
You ! next to His own Mother blefs'd, 
Beloved by God Incarnate beft. 

With female faints by break of day, 
You your laft honours came to pay, 




11 





MONDAY IN 



For richeft gums you fpent your gold. 
In them you would have Him enroll'd, 
By the void grave you weeping ftay'd, 
To learn the place where He was laid. 

God with a vifion graced your fight, 
You faw two angels robed in light, 
An angel you aflurance gave, 
That Jefus had unbarr'd the grave, 
Jefus, the more you to endear, 
Would firft to your blefs'd eyes appear. 

You were His envoy to infufe 
Into the apoftles the glad news. 
His deareft Mother never knew 
Her Son arofe, till told by you. 
Souls purified in God's mild eye 
Thus with pure fouls in favours vie. 

O may we learn, for life miflpent, 
Of weeping Mary to repent ! 
Heaven her for our example fet, 
Her progrefs we fhould ne'er forget, 
We, if like her in love and tear, 
Shall be alike to Jefus dear. 



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EASTER WEEK. 



TUESDAY IN EASTER WEEK. 



The Refurreffion. 

Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Chrift to fuffer, 
and to rife from the dead the third day. —Luke xxiv. 46. 

BLESS'D Jefus, on the Crofs in boundlefs 
pain, 
In boundlefs joy, when Thou didft rife again, 
One of Thy joyful rays be pleafed to dart, 
Headed with Love Divine, into my heart, 
That ardent love and joy my foul may raife, 
To fing Thy Rifing in exalted lays. 

Our Lord His diflblution had commenced, 
And Deity His Soul re-influenced, 
Infernal malice now had reach'd its height, 
And God had to the land reftored the light, 
When the chief priefts the Governor befpeak, 
That fome the malefactors' legs mould break. 
By Pilate's order, with a ponderous ftroke, 
The two thieves' bones were by the foldiers broke, 
To haften death, left hanging on the tree 
Upon the feaft it might polluted be. 
But feeing Jefus dead, they pafs'd Him by, 
God watch'd Him with a providential eye, 
That all the prophecy fulfill'd might own, 



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TUESDAY IN 



Meffias fhould not have a broken bone. 
One thruft his fpear into His tender fide, 
And from His pericardium ftreaming eyed 
Both Blood and Water, and from thence we know 
From His heart-love, Rites Sacramental flow. 
The wound was mortal, and the fpiteful Jews 
With a feign'd death could not the world abufe ; 
The wound predicted in the Sacred Book, — 
They on Meffias, Whom they pierced, fhall look. 

The pious Jofeph then to Pilate goes, 
Begs he of Jems' body might difpofe : 
Pilate confents, and in the marble womb 
Of a hard rock, where was a new-dug tomb 
For his own burial in his garden made, 
Our Lord took reft, where never man was laid, 
Left, when He rofe, it might fuggefted be, 
Some other there entomb'd arofe, not He ; 
Or that He rofe not by His Power Divine, 
But contact of fome faint's or prophet's fhrine. 
Good Nicodemus, to adorn his hearfe, 
Brought odours o'er His body to difperfe, 
All was enwrapp'd in a fine linen fold, 
And a huge ftone upon the entrance roll'd. 

Meanwhile His feparate Soul to Hades flew, 
The receptacles of the dead to view, 
O'er ghaftly death His triumph to proclaim, 
And make all Tophet tremble at His Name. 
A bright angelic fquadron on the wing 



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EASTER WEEK. 



Attended on their death-fubduing King, 
With a bright Crofs of rays tranfverfed made, 
And His infcription at the head difplay'd, 
In great refplendent characters, like thofe 
Which God's celeftial Book of Life compofe. 
Our Lord began His awful radiant march, 
Defcending firft to the infernal arch, 
Damn'd ghofts at His dread fight began to quake, 
Flouncing for fhelter in the burning lake -, 
He their malicious tyranny reftrain'd, 
And orders gave they mould be all rechain'd. 
The prifon next where fouls polluted dwell, 
Infefted daily by near neighbouring hell, 
Where they too late impenitent bewail, 
Referved for judgment in that dolorous jail, 
He enters, with ftrange terror each was dafTi'd, 
And with frefh ftings of guilty confcience lanYd. 

Thence He to Paradife afcends direct, 
Where holy fouls with languor Him expe£t, 
There faints are in the interim at reft, 
Till, judgment pafs'd, they are completely blefs'd ; 
There each good foul remains in widow'd ftate, 
In longings till remarried to its mate, 
Thither our Lord the Thief benignly brought, 
Who to the faints the Crucifixion taught. 
The holy fouls their gracious Lord revered, 
And He with fweet fupports their languors cheer'd, 
Advanced their joys to a more rapturous height, 
And placed them nearer to the blifsful fight. 





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TUESDAY IN 



Some He for prefent refurre&ion chofe, 
His train at His own Rifing to compofe, 
Whofe tombs then open by the earthquake lay, 
Ordain'd a while to re-aflume their clay. 
The third day's dawn gave Him His rifing call, 
He pour'd out heavenly favours on them all. 
Down then He flew with His fele&ed train, 
That He and they might glad re-union gain. 

The envious Jews once more to Pilate came 
His jealoufy thus Arriving to enflame ; 
We oft have heard that great Deceiver fay, 
That He would re-infpire His buried clay ; 
A guard we for the fepulchre implore, 
Which day and night may ftriclly watch the door 
Left His admirers fome new fraud impofe, 
And then affirm He from His grave arofe. 
At their requeft ftraight Pilate guards affign'd, 
And watchful duty to them all enjoin'd : 
The Jews, left votaries mould His body fteal, 
See the watch fet, and ftone fepulchral feal, 
Wifdom divine Judaic malice fteer'd, 
And they, the truth they ftrove to fmother, 
clear'd. 

Blefs'd Jems' flefh and fpirit re-unite, 
He rofe from death by His own boundlefs might ; 
His blood re-circling made His pulfes beat, 
All vital channels felt re-kindled heat. 
The feventh day's'Jewifh Sabbath breathed its laft, 





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EASTER WEEK. 



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And into defuetude eternal pafs'd, 

The firft day's hallow'd gleams were then begun, 

Illumined by God's co-eternal Son; 

When a new earthquake gave the awful fign 

Of God Incarnate rifing from His fhrine. 

In the firft, earth and air at every pore 
Tranfpiring thunders globe terraqueous tore 
The frighted fea its channel then forfook, 
Foundations of the globe terreftrial fhook, 
The pillars on which arched heavens rely, 
Were on their feveral bafes fcrew'd awry : 
But in the fecond, by propitious force, 
All things recover'd their connatural courfe, 
Back to their magazine the waters roll'd, 
Fix'd were foundations which the earth uphold, 
The pillars fcrew'd aright which heaven fuftain'd, 
The world, with Jefus, refurre£Hon gain'd. 
His foes alone had of the omen dread, 
And fear'd His glorious rifing from the dead : 
The guard who watch'd the tomb, in horrid 

fright, 
To the chief priefts took inftantaneous flight, 
They told the wondrous truth, while envious 

Jews, 
(Convinced, but not converted at the news,) 
Bribed high the foldiers, charging them to fay, 
His votaries ftole Him, while they flept, away : 
And if the Governor mould doubt the tale, 
They would for their impunity prevail. 



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The foldiers took the bribe, and could not hold, 
But all abroad both truth and fiction told. 

Explofions which the fecond earthquake gave 
By Heaven directed, open'd Jefus' grave, 
They raifed the ftone ere£t, while Jefus rofe, 
Which ftraight fell down the fepulchre to clofe, 
Till from high Heaven a mighty Angel flown, 
RolPd quite away the monumental ftone, 
That faints who thither came their tears to 

died 
Might fee plain marks of rifing from the dead. 
The tender fex got of the men the ftarts, 
They firft the tribute paid of thankful hearts ; 
They, ere the fun could gain the morning point, 
Hafte Jefus with rich odours to anoint. 
The guard was fled, the ftone away was roll'd, 
And on the ftone an Angel they behold, 
His face like unaffli£ting lightning bright, 
His vefture than the new fall'n fnow more white, 
The guard he ftruck into amazing fears, 
But the foft votaries he benignly cheers ; 
'Tis Jefus whom ye feek, be not afraid, 
Come fee the empty tomb where He was laid, 
The living 'mongft the dead ye feek in vain, 
He oft foretold that He fhould rife again ; 
'Tis now fulfill'd, hafte to His votaries make, 
That they may of the happy news partake ; 
Two other Angels, each in radiant veft, 
The fame propitious wonder co-atteft. 



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The news too good in hafte to be believed, 
Was with fufpicions at the firft received ; 
Loved John and Peter gave them greater!: heed, 
Both ran to reach the fepulchre with fpeed, 
With Magdalen they both the tomb furvey, 
Minutely all the circumftances weigh, 
The grave they enter, linen fhroud they view, 
And the impreffion which His body drew ; 
The napkin which around His head was tied, 
Wrapt up, they in another place defcried, 
They both believe, yet doubts were intermix'd, 
Till frefri illuminations faith refix'd. 
They both returning, Magdalen remain'd, 
Showers from her eyes into the tomb fhe rain'd, 
At head and feet where Jems lay fhe faw 
Two radiant Angels fit with humble awe : 
Why weeper! thou, they mildly her befpeak, 
Ah me ! fhe faid, I here loved Jefus feek, 
But they have moved Him from His burial-place 
And I, alas ! their motions cannot trace. 
Our Lord with that to her glad view appears, 
And changed affli&ing into joyful tears. 
Jefus on love and tears fets value high, 
And firft with His dear fight blefs'd Mary's eye. 
To His great Father in the garden fhade, 
Jefus firft-fruits of refurreclion paid, 
In hymns divine and euchariftic joys, 
And next a glorious angel He employs, 
To carry to His Mother the glad news, 
Which o'er her foul high rapture mould diffufe. 




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The faints departed who with Jefus rofe, 
To Salem came the wonder to difclofe : 
Jews them beheld with a furprife profound, 
Who rofe, when no laft trump was heard to found, 
Known by their bodies, they with faints converfed, 
Each heart they with the Love of Jefus pierced. 
To female faints himfelf He early fhew'd, 
Whofe tears like Mary's had His tomb o'er-flow'd ; 
To James, to Peter, to the faints who talk'd 
Of Jefus as they to Emmaus walk'd, 
To His difciples in afTembly join'd ; 
When Thomas ftay'd by accident behind, 
Peace to you all, was His benign falute ; 
Their want of faith to chide, and to confute, 
He fhew'd His wounded Hands, and Feet, and 

Side, 
That by their fenfe His Body might be tried. 
He food demanded, and before them eat, 
Beyond all doubt conviction to complete ; 
Peace to you, Jefus faid, I now decree, 
To fend you, as My Father firft fent Me : 
Then breathing, adds, the Holy Ghoft receive, 
To tender you, when I My votaries leave. 
Heaven will the fins, you here abfolve, remit, 
And no bold finners, whom you bind, acquit ; 
WhenThomas prefent was, He them reviews, 
His folemn benedictions He renews ; 
His hands into the wounds of fpear and nails, 
W hilft Thomas thrufts, paft doubting he bewails ; 
My Lord, my God, he paflionately cried, 




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The fame now rifen, Who was crucified, 

Our Lord made vifit to His friends again, 

As on Tiberias' fea they nfh'd in vain : 

A wondrous draught made rifen Jefus known, 

By Whom a greater miracle v/as mown ; 

For as to land the mighty moal they drew, 

A fire, broil'd fifh, and loaves, they had in view. 

Our Lord with them at the fame table fed, 

Or by the angels, or creation fpread. 

For Peter's trine denial, there a trine 

Profeffion He required of love divine ; 

Bade him His lambs and fheep with zeal to feed, 

Predicting, he by martyrdom mould bleed \ 

To heavenly folitude He then withdrew, 

Where angels to congratulate Him flew. 

Weak, conquer'd death, on Jefus I rely, 
And all your whole artillery defy; 
You of dire terrors are no longer king, 
By Jefus difenvenom'd is your fting ; 
Our Jefus rifing, has unbarr'd the grave, 
From your infulting horrors faints to fave ; 
Your force, which you by fin accurfed gain'd, 
Is now by His all gracious might reftrain'd ; 
You may the body for a while furprife, 
But from its fall, it mall to glory rife. 
May I, Lord, by repentance fin bewail, 
Sin, which arm'd death, o'er finners to prevail, 
And early rifing from a life impure, 
My rifing to eternal blifs fecure. 



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FIRST SUNDAY 



All praife to Jefus ! Who from death arofe, 
And triumph'd over our infernal foes. 
Glory to Jefus ! o'er the mountain rolls, 
Who riling, opens Heaven to faithful fouls. 



FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. 



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Tabor. 



St. John xx. 19-23. 

BLESS'D Jefus from His radiant cloud def- 
cends, 
Thus fweetly greeting His furrounding friends : 
Peace to you all ; peace which fhall never fail, 
Peace which o'er worldly trouble fhall prevail 5 
Peace at your death, peace in your wills refign'd, 
Peace with your God, eternal, unconfined. 
Over all heaven and earth, all power divine 
Is now become, by refurrection, Mine : 
This of My Crofs is the immortal gain, 
I now renew my Mediatory reign. 
Renew ; for foon as man his God forfook, 
I his redemption freely undertook. 
All faints, from Abel, to the pious Thief, 
By My devoted Blood, had full relief. 
What they of old beheld in fhadows dim, 
You fee completed, and devoutly hymn. 

You, who My chofen miflionaries are, 
Muft to the world all-faving truth declare. 



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Mercy no more to Jewry is confined, 
Go out with zeal, difciple all mankind ; 
In name of Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft, 
Baptize, co-hymn'd by the celeftial hoft ; 
Teach faving truth to Gentile and to Jew, 
Teach faithfully all truths I taught to you. 
The gracious Paraclete fhall in fhort time 
Your fpirits fill, enlighten, and fublime. 
The truths derived from the Eternal Source, 
You mail with wondrous miracles enforce. 
You, in My Name, fhall devils difpofTefs, 
And in all languages your thoughts exprefs ; 
Unharm'd, the deadlier!: ferpents fhall take up, 
And fafely drink of an empoifon'd cup j 
Your hands you on the dying fick fhall lay, 
Reftore firm health, and drive difeafe away. 
I'll at your humble prayers your wants fupply, 
When fuffering for My fake on Me rely 
I'll influentially with you abide, 
My Spirit always fhall with you refide ; 
I'll give my angels charge your fouls to aid, 
That you may ne'er be conquer'd or difmay'd. 
The world awhile your perfons may opprefs, 
My comforts fhall endear your worft diftrefs. 
Be valiant for the truth, no labour fpare, 
You are My Father's, and My tender care. 



With that, their fpirits, which till then were 
clofed, 
He open'd, and for heavenly truth difpofed ; 





Their mindswere from that moment unperplex'd, 
They clearly underftood the facred text. 
Then their Illuminator they adore, 
Amazed they fhould not fee bright truth before. 
Their vows of firm obedience all renew, 
And Jefus to His folitude withdrew. 

All praife to Jefus ! Who from death arofe, 
And for our faith that ftrong foundation chofe. 
Rifing from death was an appropriate fign 
Of power moft inconteftably divine : 
A fign which men could by their Senfe difcern, 
And we by uniform Tradition learn. 
Five hundred faints, who in the mount remain'd, 
Of virtue and veracity unftain'd, 
Who heard His voice, His wounds could feel and 

fee, 
Aflured that Jefus could no phantom be ; 
Truths at the fpring could by their fenfes know, 
Which down by a traduced fenfation flow. 
Whether at Jordan's fountain-head I fup, 
Or at his difemboguing fill my cup, 
I quench my thirft alike, and his whole courfe 
Is but continuation of the fource. 
My faith on this Tradition, Lord, relies, 
As firm as if I faw Thee with my eyes. 
But faith will ftronger grow by ghoftly fenfe 
Of emanations from Thy Love immenfe ; 
Of that dear Love let me the influence feel, 
And with my blood, Thy facred truth I'll feal. 




190 



AFTER EASTER. 



SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. 

I am the Good Shepherd : the Good Shepherd giveth His 
life for the fheep.— St. John x. 1 1. 

WHENE'ER my voice of Jefus fings, 
My fingers meet th' exilient firings, 
Which leap up into chords to mow 
What fweets harmonious from Him flow. 
Difcordant fouls He puts in tune, 
To fing the praife of God Triune. 

Of Jefus I a fong intend, 
Whofe Loves, all other loves tranfcend ; 
While I of Jefus fing, my fheep 
At that dear Name will filence keep, 
They'll meekly liften to my air, 
And all the while their food forbear. 

Guide me, my firings, and every line 
Shall with your leading chords combine, 
He's the Great Shepherd of the plain, 
And He deferves the nobler! ftrain : 
And while my fong to Him takes flight, 
My love fhall give it flame and height. 

Shepherds no fitter theme can find 
Than Jefus to employ their mind, 
He's the Good Shepherd, juftly ftyled, 
And governs with an empire mild ; 




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SECOND SUNDAY 



He on His flock cafts tender eyes, 
His boundlefs Love all wants fupplies. 

His flock He in rich pafture feeds, 
To cryftal ftreams the thirfty leads, 
He watches with kind wakeful care, 
Againft thief, lion, wolf, or bear, 
Provides agreeable retreats, 
In freezing cold, or fcorching heats. 

The teeming ewes He gently drives, 
His bofom dying lambs revives ; 
Supports the faint, the fick reftores, 
Sets broken bones, heals all their fores ; 
He every fheep diftindtly knows, 
And fympathifes with their woes. 

But now, my guiding firings, methinks 
You languifh, ami your vigour finks ; 
Ah, 'tis no wonder you can well 
What I muft fing of next, foretell ; 
Yet keep your movements juft alive, 
The fofteft chords you can, contrive. 

Tears beft with thofe foft chords will fuit, 
My tears (hall drop while love is mute j 
I'll write in the fad tears I fhed, 
What I of Jefus would have faid, 
The Sov 'reign Shepherd, who from on high 
Came down for His dear fheep to die. 



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My firings, now change your fofter vein, 
In chords with forrow mix difdain ; 
My tears fhall with your chords confent, 
That I may all paft fins lament, 
And water the furrounding fhade, 
That I His Love fo ill repaid. 

'Twas that Good Shepherd I forfook, 
The ready way to death I took ; 
I ftrove His tender calls to fhun, 
And into endlefs dangers run ; 
His boundlefs Love would me purfue, 
Which I defpifed, and fafler flew. 

But now, my firings, your chords prepare 
To found a foul-enamouring air ; 
Sweet Jefus fought me all about, 
Ne'er left till He had found me out ; 
The flray He on His moulders laid, 
And gently to His fold convey'd. 

Angelic quires my welcome fung, 
And I recover'd my loft tongue ; 
My tongue, which ftopp'd with grief before, 
Shall never now lie filent more ; 
I'll fing His praifes day and night, 
And love fhall every fong indite. 



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THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. 

Submit yourfelves to every ordinance of man for the 
Lord's fake : whether it be to the king, as fupreme : or 
unto governors, as unto them that are lent by him for the 
punifhment of evildoers, and for the praife of them that 
do well. — i Peter ii. 13, 14. 

THE king who with juft title reigns, 
The magiftrates whom he ordains, 
All fathers, mothers, mafters, to whofe care 
Others fubje&ed are, 
All paftors who the flocks of Jefus feed, 
To be our parents God decreed. 

God gives to them a power in truft, 
They to their ftations fhould be juft, 
They for God's Glory all things mould contrive, 
From Whom they power derive, 
Should exemplary be, benign, and mild, 
To treat inferiors as a child. 

Inferiors, who fubje&ion owe, 
Muft juftice in fubmiffion fhew, 
Love, honour, reverence, efteem, obey, 
For their fuperiors pray, 
Be patient when rebuked, their pofts attend, 
Prone to pleafe, tender to offend. 

Juft are all men who human race 
With a fraternal love embrace, 







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AFTER EASTER. 



Do wrong to none, and all with fweetnefs treat, 
Free from revengeful heat, 
Who to all others meafure juft the fame 

Which they themfelves from others claim. 

O happy age, would men unite 
In giving all degrees their right, 
Men's jarring fouls would co-harmonious be, 
From war and rapine free, 
Few would be their accounts, death their releafe, 
When with the world and God at peace. 



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FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. 

Neverthelefs I tell you the truth j It is expedient for 
you that I go away : for if I go not away, the Comforter 
will not come unto you ; but if I depart, I will fend Him 
unto you. — John xvi. 7. 

ETERNAL Dove, by Jefus fent 
Love heavenly to foment, 
Since we of Jefus are bereft, 

Thou, Comforter, art left, 
And Thou doft in Thy faints abide, 
Their fouls to ftrengthen, comfort, guide. 

I would invite Thee to my heart, 

Thence never to depart, 
Thou fource of hymn and Love Divine, 

To both doft fouls incline, 




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FOURTH SUNDAY 



But know Thou never canft endure 
To temple in a heart impure. 

My heart, blefs'd Paraclete, refine, 

That it may Thee enfhrine, 
Thy tender Wings o'er me extend, 

Make me to Thee propend, 
From the kind heat Thou wilt difpenfe, 
I fhall fpiritual life commence. 

Thou, boundlefs Love, doft love excite 
Where'er Thou takeft Thy flight, 

To raife a penitential fhower 

Thou haft the gracious power, 

My eyes, when kifs'd by Thy foft Wings, 

Will gum in never-ceafing fprings. 

In tears I'll bathe, then bathe again, 

My eyes I ne'er fhall drain, 
To fin expofed while I live here, 

Sin will fupply my tear, 
Or mould my fountains chance to ftop, 
One gentle ray will make them drop. 

Thou didft Thy Plumes on Mary fpread, 

And glorious influence fhed, 
With Hymn and Love Thou didft her ftore, 

Ere great God-man fhe bore, 
No mortal fin could her invade, 
For Hymn and Love fhe chiefly pray'd. 



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I Hymn and Love of Thee implore, 
And beg one blefling more, 

Tears of Love filial, to bemoan 
That I to fin am prone, 

Soft tears and fin are fo allied 

They ne'er can feparate abide. 

When I my vial full have wept, 
And God mail it accept, 

O let Thy Wings their virtue dart 
From eyelids to my heart, 

foul-intenerating Dove, 
Melt me entirely into Love. 

Love will afrefh my eye-lids fill, 

In rivers to diftil, 
That on the world I love fliould fpend, 

And Love immenfe offend, 

1 Jefus in my eye mail keep, 
Love will with confolation weep. 

While I diflblve in filial tear, 

Thy Wings my foul will cheer, 

Celeftial joys will me o'erflow, 
And make a Heaven below, 

And Thou my fpirit wilt fublime 

To love, joy, weep, at the fame time. 



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FIFTH SUNDAY 



FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. 



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Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Fathei 
is this, To vifit the fatherlefs and widows in their afflic- 
tion, and to keep himfelf unfpotted from the world. 

James i. 27. 

OF Jefus' brethren to take care 
You never fhould or purfe or labour fpare, 
Your very life you muft not dear efteem 

Blefs'd Jems' brethren to redeem, 
Your purfe, your pains, your life, are of no weight 
When you the Crofs of God Incarnate rate. 

All kindnefs to His brethren fhown, 
As done to Himfelf He '11 moft benignly own, 
With Jems' Love all faints who overflow, 

Joyful on Him their all beftow, 
Cold water He accepts, and every mite 
With boundlefs treafure pays in endlefs light. 

Fear not the ftench nice fenfe may meet, 
Or loathfome objects tenderly to treat. 
You'll find the fumes which blefs'd Arabia fheds 

Lefs fweet than prifons or fick beds, 
Where Jefus in His poor grieved brethren cries 
For fympathy and opportune fupplies. 

Alms for the poor, aids for diftrefs'd, 
For hungry food, for naked limbs a veft, 





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AFTER EASTER. 



Salves for all wounds, medicines for each difeafe, 

Cordials for faint, for painful eafe, 
Relief for prifoners, ranfom for the flaves, 
Shrouds for the dead, for the unburied graves. 

Urania's 1 love would you obtain, 
Learn Jefus' Love, and how to love again, 
When Jefus in His brethren you perceive, 

Jefus Himfelf in them relieve, 
Count that day loft when in your alms and prayers 
Dear Jefus wants His confecrated fhares. 



ASCENSION-DAY, OR HOLY THURSDAY. 

MY faith and hope, your powers unite, 
While I a hymn indite, 
You are twin-graces, fledged this day, 

And warm'd by the fame ray, 
And you, my love, make up the Trine, 
This day you reach'd maturity Divine. 

You faith and hope, till Jefus mined, 

Were embryos of the mind, 
Lodged or in dark prophetic fchemes 

Where truth gave languid gleams, 

1 Urania. Wifdora. See Paradife Loft, Book i, 
' : Defcend from Heaven, Urania," &c. And In M emoriam 
xxxvii. " Urania fpeaks with darken'd brow." 



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Or with terreftrial promife fed 
In which fupernal hardly could be read. 

When Jefus here diffufed His light 

Faith was abforb'd by fight, 
Aflurance fuperfeded hope, 

Love gain'd a freer fcope, 
Till our Redemption was complete 
Man fcarce had full inflammatory heat. 

On Olivet's fair lofty head, 

His votaries Jefus led, 
That they His glory mould behold, 

And to the world unfold, 
And His paft loves, with hands up-rear'd, 
By bleffing valedictory endear'd. 

As the celeftial fountain ftopt, 
Which heavenly fweetnefs dropt, 

A cloud defcended, one of thofe 
God for His chariot chofe, 

Which opening Jefus to furround, 
With gentle force remounted from the ground. 

Blefs'd Mofes, feized with facred awe, 

Received of God the Law, 
Thick cloud the Mount then overfpread, 

Which Ifrael ftruck with dread, 
And while he there his ftation fix'd 
The cloud with a devouring fire was mix'd. 






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The cloud in which God-man was rear'd, 

Benign and bright appear 'd, 
Like what faints faw on Tabor ftream, 

Enlighten'd by His beam, 
God fpeaking from effulgence clear, 
This is My Son beloved, Whom all muft hear. 

The horfe and chariots were of flame, 

Which for Elias came, 
The whirlwind hurrying them through air, 

Fann'd them to frightful glare ; 
He pafs'd through an ethereal glade, 
Steer'd and fupported by God's gracious aid. 

But when to Heaven blefs'd Jefus flew, 

Cloud only was in view, 
He, to accelerate His fpeed, 

Of chariot had no need ; 
Incarnate God, by His own might, 
Both rofe from death, and took His heavenly flight 

The faints the cloud, with fteady eyes, 

Traced as it pafs'd the fkies, 
But foon it reach'd celeftial height 

Tranfcending human fight, 

And, as it fwift to glory foar'd, 

Incarnate God devoutly they adored. 

Ere their ejaculation clofed, 
Our Lord in blifs repofed ; 







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Blefs'd Jefus re-affumed His Crown, 

And at God's Right fat down ; 
Think with what wondrous fpeed He pafs'd, 
In a few moments, the expanded vaft. 

Should a fwift eagle heavenwards fpring, 

With an unwearied wing, 
And fwifter make through Heaven his way 

Than when he flew for prey, 
Scarce in a million of years 
He'd moot the gulf of the fupernal fpheres. 

When God is prefent in a place 

He pafles through no fpace, 
By will, not motion, He from nought 

Things into being wrought ; 
God-man in blifs His Perfon will'd, 
Which in a minute He Himfelf fulfill'd. 

Good fouls would tire who heavenward fly 

Ere they could reach the fky, 
Or numerous painful ages fpend 

Ere they could Heaven afcend, 
If they on wing were bound to keep 
All their long paflage through fupernal deep. 

A feraph, though on twice fix wings 

His meffage down he brings, 
And quicken'd with warm, heavenly zeal, 

His meffage to reveal ; 



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Yet 'midfl ethereal wave would fail, 
If he on unaffiiled wings fhould fail. 

God wills juft fouls fhould mount on high, 

Wills angels down fhould fly, 
Almighty Will impreffes force, 

For each appointed courfe. 
The faints by that at blifs arrive, 
And fwiftly up the waves unfathom'd dive. 

With near an inftantaneous flight, 

Fly rays of morning light ; 
A million-fold they fwifter go 

Than arrows from a bow ; 
A myriad-fold an angel flies, 
Swifter than morning fplendour gilds the fides, 

The heavenly orbs flew open wide, 
When they their Maker eyed ; 

The ftars left off their morning lay 
To fing that glorious day ; 

On either hand they back retired 
To clear the road in which God-man afpired. 

The angels to the heavenly gate 

Flew, on God-man to wait ; 
The faints outflew the radiant hoft, 

They took the nobler poft, 
And, to attend Him to His Throne, 
Each guardian left that day his charge alone. 



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All Heaven to a new fong agreed, 

For great God-man decreed ; 
But a fweet emulation rofe 

Who mould the fong compofe ; 
The angels urged God's Will, that they 
Should to His Firft-Begotten worfhip pay. 

Saints urged, God-man His Blood refign'd 

For none but lapfed mankind ; 
Place then to faints the angels gave, 

Whom Jefus died to fave ; 
Yet, fince for penitent fouls they joy'd, 
With them they would in fong be co-employ'd. 

Saints on the Lamb, for finners flain, 

Sang a new heavenly ftrain, 
With them join'd all angelic quires 

With their harmonious lyres ; 
Heaven never fong more grateful heard, 
A fuller concert ne'er in blifs appear'd. 

My guardian, who then bore his part, 

Traje&ed to my heart, 
That he the faints and angels eyed, 

How they in Tinging vied, 
And, though he both admired, confefs'd 
Saints the more fweet enamourments exprefs'd. 

They call blefs'd Jefus' Loves to mind, 
All for their blifs defign'd, 




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Take fupereffluent delight 
In His endearing fight, 
And their new anthems to complete, 
To the Lamb flain Doxologies repeat. 

When Jefus had withdrawn His Light, 

Two angels, robed in white, 
Befpake the faints in fuch amaze, 

Why upwards do you gaze ? 
God-man, Whom you afcending faw, 
At His return mall ftrike the world with awe. 

When the laft trumpet founds aloud, 

In flaming fire and cloud, 
He to the Judgment mail defcend, 

The dead fhall Him attend, 
He'll then pronounce to all their doom, 
The wicked damn, the juft to blifs aflume. 

The faints who Jefus faw when pain'd, 
Joy'd that He blifs had gain'd, 

That Manhood at God's right was placed, 
With higheft honour graced, 

That feffion endlefs reft implied, 
With the eternal Word co-glorified. 

In hymns they all refolved to fing 

Their dear redeeming King, 
Their courfe to Salem then they bent, 

Exulting as they went, 



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There charged to ftay, till on them all, 
The Holy Ghoft fhould in full fplendour fall 

There in God's facred Houfe they dwelt, 

His gracious Prefence felt, 
To perpetuity of praife 

Devoting all their days, 
And waiting for the happy hour, 
When the Eternal Dove mould them empower. 

Our Heavenly King in glory reigns, 

Infernal ghofts reftrains, 
All to His Throne have free accefs, 

To open their diftrefs, 
From thence He cheers each foul who prays, 
With mighty, fweet, benign, enamouring rays. 

From thence His goodnefs overflows, 

And heavenly gifts beftows, 
From thence He fends the fpotlefs Dove, 

The Source of Holy Love, 
And in His own afcent declares 
The blifs of faints who are with Him co-heirs. 

Our great High-prieft there intercedes, 

For finners pardon pleads, 
Prefents to His dread Father's eye 

His own dear facrifice, 
And gracious God by that atoned, 
Forgives each fin, as foon as 'tis bemoan'd. 



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OR HOLT THURSDAY. 



To Jefus, though He difappears, 

My fteady faith adheres, 
My hope on Jefus now unfeen, 

Shall as my anchor lean, 
I Jefu's bleffing {hall receive, 
Since though I fee not, firmly I believe. 



My love, fince Jefus' Love you fee 

Rife to fuch high degree, 
Your ardours to no meafure bind, 

Expatiate unconfined, 
Call faith and hope their aids to bring, 
Of Love Incarnate the afcent to fing. 

All praife to Jefus now above, 

Below difFufing Love, 
Who manfions for the faints prepares, 

Makes them His tender cares, 
Who with His Church unfeen abides, 
And full fupplies for all her wants provides. 



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May we our fouls to Jefus rear, 
While in this vale of tear, 

Long to our heavenly home to go, 
While ftrangers here below ; 

A heavenly mind can never mifs, 
To fit like Jefus enthronized in blifs. 



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SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION-DAY. 

yefus Prefent. 

WHEN our redemption was complete, 
Thou, Jefus, didft to Heaven retreat, 
And on the Throne Divine 
Make up the Godhead Trine, 
There Heaven Thy glorious Body (hall retain, 
Till Thou at judgment fhalt the world arraign. 

Yet with Thy faints 'tis Thy delight 
To ftay, converfe, and to unite, 

The Church in humble prayers 
Thy gracious prefence fhares, 
Thou at our hearts, when they are clofed, doft 

knock, 
And entering dwell, if we the door unlock. 

How Thou, Who wilt not Heaven forfake, 
Canft in my heart Thy manfion make, 
Is by experience taught, 
Though it tranfcends my thought. 
I feel Thee knock, my heart fly open wide, 
Enter dear Jefus, and with me abide. 

My Jefus now my fpirit fills, 

His love in fuavities diftils, 

Preventions, traclions fweet, 
Devout Chrift-hymning heat ; 




208 



ASCENSION-DAT. 



Kind checks, and calls benign, and gracious might, 
And corufcations of the joys in light. 

With thefe and with a thoufand more, 
Thou, Lord, art pleafed my mind to ftore, 
Thy Love long-knocking ftay'd, 
While I my blifs delay'd, 
Thou of my heart, dear Jefus, haft the key, 
Why didft not Thou unlock for entrance free ? 

Free entrance is from Love alone, 
My heart was then obdurate grown, 
And till it fofter grew 
Declined Thy awful view : 
Break it, my Lord, wide open to remain, 
Never againft Thee to be fhut again, 

Thou while below wert yet on high, 
By omniprefent Deity, 

And Thou doft condefcend 
Sweet hours with faints to fpend. 
O lovely Jefu, keep my love on fire, 
Thou from Thy lovers never doft retire. 

My Jefus, while I Thee enjoy, 
I'll on Thy Love my powers employ, 
Thy Love will mine excite 
I'll hymns of Thee indite, 
By meditation I'll prolong Thy ftay, 
And Thou (halt blefs me ere Thou goeft away. 



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Away Thou canft not, Jefu, go, 
Or to Thy lovers ftranger grow, 
Thou mayft effulgence fhroud 
Awhile in fome dark cloud, 
But ftill Thy gracious, Thy all-feeing Eye, 
Infpefts Thy faints, all bleffings to fupply. 

When, Lord, Thou prefent wert below, 
Saints felt a virtue from Thee flow, 
Which at a diftance cured 
Difeafes long endured ; 
Lord when from me Thou wilt Thyfelf conceal, 
Let virtue from Thee ftream my foul to heah 

If up to Heaven Thou wilt afcend, 
Though Heaven I cannot open rend, 
Though 1 want wings to foar 
Where feraphs Thee adore, 
I'll draw Thee down from Heaven by violent 

prayer, 
To vifit me, and re-affume my care. 

To Heaven when my petitions flown, 
Wait far admittance at the Throne, 
I'll to the Altar fly, 
There offer up my cry ; 
My Jefus, I am fure is prefent there. 
And I in His fweet influence fhall fhare. 

Lord, when Thou to Thy Throne wilt rife, 
I offer Thee this compromife, 



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The Paraclete depute, 
Who (hall for Thee commute, 
He'll love, devotion, confolations fhed, 
And with frefh grace of hymn infpire my head. 

He^ll wing my prayer with figh and groan, 
More fwiftly to approach the Throne, 
Than fages thought of old 
Celeftial orbs were roll'd ; 
And never leave the Throne till from on high, 
It mall as faft with bleffings pray'd for, fly. 

Glory to Jefus at God's right, 

Enthroned in majeftatic light, 

Yet to converfe is prone, 

With faints below alone. 

Live, Lord, with me, and when Thou wilt return, 

Take my foul with Thee, and my duft in-urn. 



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WHIT SUNDAY. 

O FOUNTAIN of all Grace Divine, 
Third of the co-eternal Trine, 
We on Thy facred day 
To Thee devoutly pray, 
To Thy full praife to tune our hearts, 
That we with faints above may bear our parts. 




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For Thou to all the faints above, 
Art Author of both hymn and love, 

Thou doft exalt their fight 

To beatific light, 
Eternal hymn, love moft intenfe, 
Rife from clear view of Lovelinefs immenfe. 

On chaos, dark, inactive, rude, 
Thou with creating force didft brood, 

Thou art to every thing 

Of life and motion Spring, 
And when the world was made anew, 
From Thee all ghoftly life and motion drew. 

In fin we are by nature dead, 
And can no ftep to glory tread, 

By Thee we born again, 

Are freed from native ftain, 
We at the font from death arife, 
To live to God perpetual facrifice. 

Blefs'd Jefus to His promife true, 
The Holy Ghoft, when He withdrew, 

Sent from His Throne on high, 

His prefence to fupply, 
His Church to form, erecT:, control, 
And be His Body's Univerfal Soul. 

God-man, when He His blifs regain'd, 
The great inflammative remain'd, 



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But fin ftark coldnefs wrought, 
Froze up celeftial thought, 
Till thaw'd by inward heavenly Fire, 
The kindled flame to Jefus fhould afpire. 

Next to the Love God-man difplay'd, 
When on the Crofs our Vi£tim made 5 

He none to us below, 

More infinite could fhow, 
Than when efTential Love He chofe, 
In whofe foft care His Church He would repofe. 

EfTential Love from Glory came 
To faints, in cloven tongues of flame, 

And refting on each head, 

All gifts, all graces fried, 
Sublimed them to celeftial Light, 
And warm'd their love to a feraphic height. 

High wifdom the ftraight courfe to fteer, 
Of myfteries a knowledge clear, 

Faith which blefs'd Jefus eyed, 

And tortures all defied, 
Power which difeafe mould put to flight, 
Of miracles a full commiffion'd might. 

Prophetic preference, God-like view, 
Of fpirits to difcern the true, 

All tongues which men confound, 

To fpeak and to expound, 



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That they united truth might fpread, 
As their divifion had curfed idols bred. 

Aid to the faints high truths to write, 
And to the Church traduce their fight, 
And priefthood to ordain, 
Who fhould thofe truths explain, 
That every foul with rule and guide, 
To perfect heavenly Love might be fupplied. 

Thefe gifts eflential Love beftow'd, 
When Jefu's votaries He o'erflow'd, 

Gifts which divinely mined 

On teachable mankind, 
And of the myfteries they taught 
An irrefiftible conviction wrought. 

When Fontal Love o'erflow'd the whole, 
He ftream'd on every faithful foul, 
Love was the leading grace 
Shed on the heaven-born race, 
Love which to God devotes our hearts, 
And to all other graces force imparts. 

Love of God loving joy excites, 
In pleafing the Beloved delights, 

Sweet peace ferenes the mind, 

To boundlefs Love refign'd, 
Minds which the joys of Love ferene, 
From filthy paflions keep a confcience clean. 




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A temper fweet, long-fuffering, mild. 
Still yielding to be reconciled, 

Prone bleffings to difperfe, 

To all deceit averfe, 
In provocations wrath reftrain'd, 
All appetites by moderation rein'd. 

Thefe fruits from Love each foul derives, 
Who Fontal Love to copy ftrives, 
Love's influential ray 
Makes evangelic day, 
Love fouls enlightens and enflames, 
Love founds toGrace and Heaven our filial claims. 

Effential Love enlivens, leads, 
With fighs, groans, ardours intercedes, 
Our frailties He relieves, 
Our Hidings He retrieves, 
Devotion fervent He inftils, 
And turns to God the pondus 1 of our wills. 

That heavenly Paraclete a faint 
Supports and comforts fad or faint, 

From fin the fpirit clears, 

Cafts out tormenting fears, 
With confcience co-attefts our zeal, 
And of our blifs is both the pledge and feal. 

Of loves which from the fpirit ftream, 
None more illuftrious faints efteem, 

1 Pondus, weight, burden. 




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None love more vigorous darts, 
More elevates their hearts, 
Than when their fouls Love's temples are, 
And Love vouchfafes His gracious prefence there. 

Of heavenly gifts though Love has ftore, 
'Tis Love, Love only I implore ; 

Flow out Thou boundlefs Source, 

With full enamouring force, 
Till Thou haft deluged all my breaft, 
My prayers, my fighs fhall never give Thee reft. 

Thou art oil, water, wind, and fire, 
How can thefe different powers confpire ? 

Yet they harmonious be, 

May they combine in me, 
Difpel all fenfual clouds like wind, 
When it grows languid, agitate my mind. 

With oil of gladnefs me reftore, 
Diffufing fweetnefs through each pore, 

Do Thou my fpring remain, 

To purge each daily ftain, 
To quench my thirft for Love Divine, 
And be Thou fire to lighten, warm, refine. 

EfTential Love, juft is their doom, 
Who Thee to grieve or damp prefume, 

Who Thy fweet force oppofe, 

With fiends impure to clofe, 



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Even hell itfelf with hate extreme 
Shall torture all who Love immenfe blafpheme. 

When Jefus bade the Baptift lave 
Upon His Head clear Jordan's wave, 

And to the bank retired, 

His foul in prayer afpired, 
And Heaven its gates all open threw, 
Of great God-man to have tranfporting view. 

Paternal God proclaim'd His Love, 
Down flew the co-eflential Dove, 
And, hovering o'er His Head, 
His beams celeftial fpread, 
Which on His human nature ftay'd, 
And boundlefs Love co-breathed His conduct 
fway'd. 

From this idea we derive 
The grace which keeps our fouls alive, 
We on God's Love rely, 
His gracious promife eye, 
And when we for the Spirit pray 
We ne'er are with denial fent away. 

Ten days from great God-man's Afcent, 
His votaries in the Temple fpent, 

Ere to their prayers devout 

Eflential Love flow'd out, 
Love who, endearing His delays, 
Can acquiefcence with fweet languor raife. 




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May we, Thou God of Love, in prayer 
Perfift, till in Thy Love we mare j 

Thou canft no filth endure, 

Dorr, dwell in fpirits pure, 
O may we, wafh'd in tears contrite, 
To temple in our fouls Thy Love invite. 

From Thee the grace of hymn proceeds, 
Its ftreams Thy fontal effluence feeds, 

All love, all praife to Thee, 

Since we Thy temples be, 
Within Thy hallpw'd Temple's bound, 
Heaven-emulating hymns fhall daily found. 



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MONDAY IN WHITSUN-WEEK. 

All BleJJings by J ejus. 

For God fent not His Son into the world to condemn 
the world j but that the world through Him might be 
faved. — JoknYn. 17. 

FROM Adam all, to thofe who ftay 
Alive at Judgment-day, 
Who hear the awful trumpet found 

Ere reaching underground, 
Heaven by the promifed Seed obtain, 
And freedom from or guilt or ftain. 




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Great God averfe to lapfed mankind, 

Born to curfed fin inclined, 
Till by God, Filial reconciled, 

Had all from Heaven exiled, 
Juft God might have no pity mown, 
And barr'd approaches to His Throne. 

When Jefus Filial God appear'd, 
God's clouds of wrath were clear'd, 

The fource of pity, till then ftopp'd, 
With fweeteft mercy dropp'd, 

And rivers by degrees gum'd out 

Of bleffings on all fouls devout. 

Saints, who approach the Throne by prayer, 

Found glad acceptance there, 
God Filial could His fufFerings plead, 

Which He for man decreed, 
All things are prefent to God's Eye, 
The Father then faw Jefus die. 

In promife only faints of old 

Our Jefus could behold, 
We fee perform'd what was decreed, 

Bleffings which thought exceed ; 
Paternal God no good beftows 
But what through Jefus on us flows. 

Thou, Filial God, the world haft made, 
And earth's foundations laid. 




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MONDAY IN 



Thy Power to creatures Being gave, 

Confined the ocean's wave, 
Call Heaven by Thy ideal mould, 
And all the orbs harmonious roll'd. 

Thou in the new creation art 

The Former of the heart, 
Grace, pardon, love, life, ghoftly light, 

Joy, conqueft, blifsful fight, 
All bleffings of the gracious Dove 
Defcend through Thee from Fontal Lov< 

My Lord, our Mediator none 

Could be, but Thou alone, 
Nothing to mediate could excite 

But pure Love infinite, 
And mediation to complete, 
In union God and man muft meet. 

Praife to the Father, Who was pleafed 
To have His wrath appeafed, 

Who Filial Deity refign'd 
To die for lapfed mankind ; 

Infinite God that we might live, 

Godhead co-infinite would give. 

Godhead co-infinite when paid, 

Full fatisfaction made, 
Godhead could not be paid to fave, 

Till fubje£t to the grave, 





Godhead muft ftoop to mortal duft, 
His mediation to adjuft. 

O Love, O Wifdom without bound, 
Which fuch a medium found ! 

O who can Filial God offend, 
Who thus would condefcend ? 

O what can God to faints deny, 

Who gives God-man for them to die ? 

Yet woe is me, how oft denied 

Is Jefus crucified ! 
Our hearts on joys deftru&ive fet, 

Love infinite forget ; 
Hell-pains by all are juftly felt, 
Whom Love unbounded cannot melt. 

Love's Source, which all our vacuums fills, 
Which through God-man diftills, 

When God is outraged ftraight is dried ; 
Sweet Jefus' Love defied, 

Makes fouls beyond the devils pain'd, 

Who ne'er a Saviour's Love difdain'd. 



My Jefus, I'll to Thee adhere, 
Than all the world more dear, 
k)))) jj(Ji$ On all Thy loves I'll daily mufe, 

Till they frefh hymns infufe, 
Or mould my foul be in arrears, 
I'll add foft penitential tears. 




TUESDAY IN 



On Thee in co-eternal beams 
Co-equal Godhead ftreams, 

Lord, out of Thy co-boundlefs ftore, 
I love-fupplies implore, 

On me from Fontal Godhead mine, 

Be always ftreaming Love Divine. 



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TUESDAY IN WHITSUN-WEEK. 



Then laid they their hands on them, and they received 
the Holy Ghoft.— Afls viii. 17. 



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H, I mall ne'er forget the happy hour 
When of the gracious Dove I felt the 
power ; 
I in a moment was no more 
The odious thing I was before, 
All my propenfions heaven-wards ftream'd, 
I felt enamourments of fouls redeem'd, 
To my own confcience I was reconciled, 
I joy'd that glorious God would own me for His 
child. 

I the perpetual motion learn'd from Love, 
I felt my powers in circulations move, 
Love from the Source of Love defcends, 
My love to God, Who fired it, tends, 




JVHITSUN-WEEK. 



And love, foon as it mounts on high, 
Brings down of Heavenly Love a frefh fupply, 
When love returns, I fend it back for more, 
IncefTantly I fpend, and yet increafe my ftore. 

God in all lights raoft amiable appear'd, 
Endearing moft, and moft to be endear'd, 
In Him alone my boundlefs mind 
Commenfurable blifs can find, 
I felt a love my foul poffefs, 
Congratulating God His lovelinefs, 
Love incommunicable and intenfe, 
Striving with all its force to ftretch to Love im- 
menfe. 

To pleafe my Love was my chief care and aim, 
My tender zeal to honour His great Name, 
To do Love's will was my delight, 
The thought of God would love excite, 
Yet love oft felt damps, wanderings, cold, 
Which, though involuntary, I condoled, 
And on remembrance of my finful years, 
The joys of pardon mix'd with penitential tears. 

Ah, did the world the confolations know 
Which from the tears of fweet contrition flow, 
With fervent prayer they'd day and night 
Implore from God a heart contrite, 
And learn as the firft tear diftill'd 
From thofe high joys which then their fpirits 
fill'd, 




223 



6M25?^ 




TUESDAY IN 



What joys there are above, where tears are 
dried, 
When tears fhed here below fo rapturoufly glide. 

As the fair trees which odorous Gilead crown, 

Secure from harm, drop tears balfamic down, 

Perfuming all the mountain's head, 

And pleafure take their fweets to fhed, 

Thus when I learn'd of Love to weep, 

Though free from dread my tears no bounds 

would keep, 
Their trickling gave me foft enamouring eafe, 
O gracious force of Love, which makes our for- 
rows pleafe ! 

My heart was turn'd, dilated, raifed, refined, 
By the foft breathings of a heavenly wind, 
I felt a thoufand love-conftraints, 
Yet my free-will made no complaints, 
My inclination took the part 
Of Love, co-operating with my heart, 
My tendencies and temper Love well knew, 
And with foft cords my foul con-naturally drew. 

The charming ways Love to inflame me ufed, 

Additional inflammatives infufed, 
As the foft wax abforbs the feal, 
My heart I could thus melting feel, 
All Love's impreflions to receive, 

Love's lovely image ftriving to retrieve, 







224. 



WHirsUN-WEEK. 



God loves Himfelf, the more God fees in me 
Of His moft lovely Self, the dearer (hall I be. 

I cannot love, but I muft live in pain, 
Till of my love I the fruition gain, 
My clofet I frequent, for there 
I with my Love converfe by prayer, 
The Sacred Books my fpirits cheer, 
There I the Voice of my Beloved hear ; 
Lord, in Thy courts with faints I Thee adore, 
There in full meafure Love communicates its 
ftore. 

My foul Thy Altar with moft zeal frequents, 
Where to our love, God-man Himfelf prefents, 
I, when I Thee, blefs'd Jefus, meet, 
In Thy poor brethren warn Thy Feet, 
Where'er Thy Love diffufes rays, 
There I ambitious am to fpend my days, 
My meditation oft Thy Love revolves, 
And ftays till to high fea it of freih Love diffolves. 

But, Lord, Thy amiablene r s below, 
We but obfcurely, but remotely know, 
Your wings, kind angel, to me lend, 
To Heaven I'll inftantly afcend, 
The' fight of lovely God above 
My fpirit will transform to God -like Love, 
But God here wills my ftay, God's Will is 
mine, 
Lovers to the Beloved wholly their wills refign. 









225 



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TUESDAY IN WHITSUN-WEEK. 

Shouldft Thou, dear Lord, protracted life 

decree, 
Indulge me languors till my foul is free, 
They who afluming to love molt, 
Of love difinterefted boaft, 
Imperfectly Love apprehend, 
All native lovers to fruition tend 
To love God all-fufficient, and abftracl 
Propenlion is a thing impoflible to a£t. 

My God, no dangers, difficulties, woes, 
My love fhall terrify, tire, difcompofe, 
I am all heart, and all defire, 
In Thee I centre, yet afpire, 
My fpirit fain would fally out, 
At Love's unbounded Source to quench my 

drought, 
I love, would fain love more, O when mall I 
Fall fick of Love Divine, and of that ficknefs die ! 

Die ! O dear Lord, I muft that word revoke, 

Love never feels of death the ireful ftroke, 
Love may make off this lumpifh clay 
Wont fouls immortal down to weigh, 
But when it into freedom fprings, 

It mounts to glory on exilient wings ; 

To Fontal Love and life it joyful flies, 
Enjoys moft life when here it in appearance dies. 




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TRINITY SUN DAT. 



TRINITY SUNDAY. 

GREAT God Triune, enthroned above, 
Thou Trine co-effluential Love, 
Of all the powers Thou haft impreft, 
Our love can comprehend Thee beft. 

Immenfely Thou co-lovely art, 
To love Thee with foul, mind and heart, 
Our blifs, our duty is, both join 
To make us love the Loves Divine. 

The facrifice for Loves immenfe 
Is to re-love with love intenfe, 
Though knowledge foon may foar too high, 
Yet Love without reftraint may fly. 

Thy Loves to us in exile here, 
At diftance and in clouds appear ; 
Remote and diftant as they be, 
We Trine irradiations fee. 

Paternal God, God Filial gave, 
Our loft rebellious race to fave ; 
And God co-breathed lapfed man refined, 
To re-imprint His God-like mind. 

Should mighty God, by power divine, 
Will three coeval funs to fhine, 




227 




TRINITY SUNDAY. 



From the trine fountain there would ftream 
All o'er expanfe triunal beam. 

Trine beams to us would one appear, 
And undiftinguifh'd gild the fphere ; 
But God by His omnifcient eye, 
Diftin&ly could the three defcry. 

Great God thus Unity difplays, 
In fweet co-penetrating rays, 
And co-benignities divine 
Gum out on us from Godhead Trine. 

Thus coalefce in facred lays 
A trinity, love, joy and praife, 
All co-derived from God the Source, 
Mix and reciprocate their force. 

In this coeval three the blefs'd, 
Duration fpend, and never reft ; 
Triunal loves all three excite, 
In faints they co-exert their might. 

Pure love will joy coeval raife, 
That love and joy coeval praife, 
Saints ftrange co-inexiftence find, 
In thofe three graces of the mind. 

The greater height thefe graces reach, 
The clearer they the myftery teach ; 
Saints beft in their own fouls may read 
The illuftration of their creed. 




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TRINITY SUNDAY. 



Three worlds fhould the Almighty will, 
His Godhead all alike would fill ; 
To all the three He might difpenfe 
Diftincl:, coeval influence. 

New men He might create in this, 
In that raife fouls to heavenly blifs, 
And in the third diffufe His grace 
On an impure, degenerate race. 

One God thus to three worlds below 
Would in three different a£h out-flow, 
At the fame moment there would be 
Triunal co-infinity. 

Should there exift a boundlefs fpace, 
Great God unlimited to place, 
Would o'er the vaft effulgence fhed 
With an indivifible fpread. 

God's Prefence is Himfelf ; for none 
Unbounded is but God alone ; 
Alike communicable be 
God's Prefence and His Deity. 

God a pure A£t, all men define, 
And 'tis con-natural to aflign 
To an eternal boundlefs Might, 
Communication infinite. 

The mode tranfcending human thought, 
Is by no revelation taught ; 




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TRINITY SUNDAY. 



The thing, in its true light revered, 
Is from all contradiction clear'd. 

We firmly God Triune believe, 
Admire what we can ne'er conceive ; 
The lefs we can conceive, the more 
We Love immenfe Triune adore. 

Saints' love in Heaven has reach'd its height, 
Who have of God Triune the fight ; 
We here with infinite defire 
Towards blifsful view and Love afpire. 

Lord, when Thou Adam didft create 
In his primeval God-like ftate, 
Soon as he could be faid to be, 
He was a co-etaneous three. 

Life, thought, and breath in him combined, 
All three diftin£t, yet not disjoin'd, 
All three though they co-eval are, 
Yet order and relation fhare. 

Life is the firft in order ftyled, 
Thought is of life coeval child : 
Both life and thought by breath fubfift, 
Three thus related, co-exift. 

In likenefs of the God-head Trine, 
Since to form man was Heaven's defign ; 
We guefs, from man's coeval three, 



At God's adored Triunity. 




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God is eflential Life, and gives 
Its life to every thing that lives ; 
God is eflential Thought, and knows 
All that His attributes enclofe. 

Self-happy Life and Thought excite 
A co-eternal, felf-delight ; 
God feels Himfelf in thought immenfe, 
And breathes felf-complacential fenfe. 

Eternal Word, God's Image bright, 
Is Source of intellectual Light ; 
The hovering of the gracious Dove 
Creates in faints a joyous Love. 

Co-infinite Life, Thought, and Joy, 
DiftincT: co-une great God employ ; 
If infinite, then God muft be, 
And Godhead is, a boundlefs Three. 

Paul, who had in his rapturous flight 
Of Heaven pre-beatific fight, 
That blifs remember'd, thought, defired, 
Three acts at once in him confpired. 

Remembrance ever thought implies, 
From both defires coeval rife ; 
All three in fpirits co-unite, 
Illumined by celeftial Light. 

An angel when for guardian chofe, 
In three coeval a£h outflows ; 




231 




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TRINITT SUNDAY. 






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Remembers, thinks, defires the joys, 
Which earth immenfely over-poife. 

Thus Godhead feems three A£ts diftin£r, 
In unity efTential link'd ; 
God's Word as Perfons them difplays, 
We to Three Perfons offer praife. 

God's Word ! for it is God alone 
Makes His myfterious efTence known ; 
Our feeble thought can ne'er explain 
A common infect, weed, or grain. 

One felf-originated mind, 
Immutable, and unconfined, 
Is myftery as great, as high, 
As Trine, Eternal Deity. 

Let curiofity then ftrive, 
In God Triune in vain to dive, 
O may I feel the influence trine 
O life, and thought, and joy Divine. 

I by experience more fhall know, 
Than fpeculation e'er can fhow ; 
And by trine grace enflamed, (hall fing 
Trine Hymn to the Triunal King. 



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FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 



FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 



And it came to pafs, that the beggar died, and was 
carried by the angels into Abraham's bofom. 

Luke xvi. 22. 

YOU Friend of God, for God's dear fake, 
Show me the gulf, that's fix'd between 
The upper Hades, and the fub-terrene ; 
He yielding, Thought obtain'd a vifto clear, 
To lower Hades, from the upper fphere ; 
There Dives for one watery drop ftill cried, 
Yet ftill denied. 
You, faid Thought, when to Pain confined, 
Had a regard for thofe you left behind ; 
From distributions, which unequal feem, 
Of temporal things, which worldlings moft 

efteem, 
Say, is great God unjuft, when He beftows 
Wealth on the wicked, and loads faints with 

woes ? 
Moft juft, faid Dives, men who dare difpute 
God's juftice, when in life, in hell themfelves 
confute ; 
I, when in life, you know, fed every day 
Delicioufly, wore garments rich and gay ; 
My flaves fearch'd all Engaddi's vines, 

To choofe the richeft wines ; 



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FIRST SUNDAY 



I gratified each fenfe to the utmoft heights, 
Wallow'd in gold, purvey'd for all delights ; 
The world my prefence honour'd and admired, 
O I had all my lull defired, 
Yet all could ne'er me happy make ! 
O 'tis a damnable miftake, 
To think on earth true blifs to gain, 
Where Solomon found all that glitter'd vain. 

Like me, the wicked live in fear 

At Judgment to appear ; 
Th' incertainty of vital breath, 

The certainty of death ; 
Sharp pains, acute difeafe, 
When wealth gives neither cure, nor eafe ; 
The cries to Heaven of indigents opprefs'd, 
Horrors ofconfcience, which corrode the breaft; 
Vexation which on wealth attends, 
Infidious flatteries, and falfe friends ; 
Of carnal fweets 
The difappointing cheats ; 
The terrors of exchanging all 
For endlefs torments, at death's call ; 
All wicked mortals more or lefs infeft, 
That like the troubled fea they feel no reft ; 
They here their hell foretafte, and none can fay, 

That finners live one happy day ; 
Such terrors to the deep the worldlings fink, 

Whene'er they think ; 
Or if they think not, greater rifks they run, 




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Their reprobation is in life begun \ 
Pride harden'd me the needy to pafs by, 
Dogs were more merciful than I. 

Fool as I was, I thought my eafe and health, 
Honour, profperity, command, and wealth, 
The bleffings of kind Heaven, that Heaven had 

chofe 
Me for a favourite, and fecured from woes ; 
But now too late I find 
Heaven only for my trial them defign'd ; 
My portion, while I lived, I mifemploy'd, 
And what I mould have merely ufed, enjoy'd ; 
What were my idols once, me now forfake, 
They no cool drop give in this burning lake. 
The fool who to himfelf, from plenteous ftore, 
Promifed long life, and ne'er to forrow more ; 

Into a neighbouring furnace flung, 
Begging, like me, one drop to cool his tongue ; 
Though fool in life, true wifdom learnt in hell, 

And the like mournful truth can tell. 
My luxury would fpare no time to look 

Into the Sacred Book; 
Ah ! had I caft on that confiderate eyes, 
One line of Solomon had made me wife ; 
Wealth fuell'd fin, and had it been withheld, 

In thefe fierce flames I ne'er had yell'd ; 
I, to my fad experience, feel too late 
The woes of what the world ftyles happy ftate ; 
View Lazarus in blifs, and me in flame, 




2 35 




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FIRST SUNDAY 



And if you can, God's juftice blame $ 
On earth men live on purpofe to be tried, 
Death beft God's juft allotments will decide. 

Thought next to Lazarus addrefs'd : 
When in the world you lived diftrefs'd, 
With painful fores, and want of bread, 
And wanting place to lay your head, 
Expofed to cold, to nakednefs, to all 
That men could miferable call, 
Did you, for your afflicting lot, 
On God's ftri£r juftice caft a blot ? 

no, faid he, I ftill God's juftice clear'd, 

God all my woes endear'd j 

1 had no merit at God's Throne to plead, 
God faw 'twas beft for me to live in need ; 

A heaven-erected mind, 
Good confcience, and a will refigned ; 

Woes which enervate fin, 
And raife a calm within ; 
Death which would free me in fhort time, 
From poffibility of crime, 

The lively (tnk 
Of Jefu's Love immenfe, 
AfTurance of God's promifes fulfill'd, 
On which glad hope of Heaven the faithful 

build ; 
One glance of God's paternal, tender eye, 
One fhort foretafte of blifs on high, 
Create unutterable joys, 




236 




AFTER TRINITT. 



Which worldly woe a thousand times o'er-poife ; 
No faint below men mould unhappy ftyle, 
Were his wants great, and his condition vile ; 
His wants, which God for medicine fends, 
Forwhich one pulfe above makes infinite amends. 



SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 

God is Love. 

Hereby perceive we the love of God, becaufe He laid 
down His life for us : and we ought to lay down our lives 
for the brethren. — i John iii. i6„ 

THE loved difciple, full of Love Divine, 
Would in one word the Infinite define ; 
Thou, Lord, art Love, Love only can exprefs 
All that Thou art, all that Thou doft pofTefs ; 
Of Thy own Self the amiable fight 
Raifes eternal, unconfined delight ; 
Thy Love felf-complacential relifh gives, 
It is by Love the Source of Being lives ; 
Thou art Ideal, Fontal Love, in Thee 
Being and love co-une the blefTed fee ; 
In Thee triunal rays co-equal mine, 
Love, Lover, and Beloved, in Thee combine. 



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By various names we Thy perfections call, 
But pure, unfathom'd Love exhaufts them all ; 
By Love all things were made and are fuftain'd, 




237 



SECOND SUNDAY 



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Love, all things to allure man's love ordain'd ; 
Love vengeance from lapfed human race fuf- 

pends, 
Love our falvation, when provoked, intends ; 
Love, Lord, Thy infinite perfections join'd, 
Into all forms of love to fave mankind ; 
Enlightening wifdom, and fupporting might, 
Grace to forgive, companion to invite; 
Thy bounty in rewards which thought exceed, 
Munificence to promife all we need ; 
Truth to perform, paternal, tender care, 
A patient mildnefs long to wait, and fpare ; 
A juftice to chaflife Love's hateful foes ; 
Jealoufy curfed rivals to oppofe ; 
Benignity to hear a finner's cry, 
Unbounded all-fufiience to fupply ; 
They all are Love, Love only is their aim, 
My verfe fhall love and hymn Thee by that name. 

All-charming Love, thou doft my love prevent, 
Thou fweetly doft conftrain me to repent ; 
I never fhed true penitential tear, 
Till I began Love boundlefs to revere ; 
The thought that I fhould Love immenfe offend, 
Began my heart to chide, grieve, foften, rend ; 
Love, mining in, gave with one beam a ftroke, 
My heart it into numerous atoms broke ; 
And in a tear each atom melting lay, 
As of paft outrages I took furvey ; 
Love would not let my heart lie long in pain, 



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AFTER TRINITY. 



The beam that brake it made it whole again ; 
All over wafh'd in penitential dew, 
Cleanfed from all wilful ftains and form'd anew ; 
My foul it into Love's own temple framed, 
To Love devoted, and by Love inflamed. 

Thee, mighty Love, I praife, invoke, adore, 
O may I daily love Thee more and more ! 
Thou, when Thou doft attract a lover's will, 
Infufeft ftrong antipathy to ill ; 
No greater grief can damned fouls invade, 
Than that they boundlefs Love with hate repaid ; 
Thou, Lord, art Love, that Name canft never 

quit, 
And yet one fin Thou never wilt remit ; 
The fin, which Thy eternal Dove blafphemes, 
And from the God-detefting fpirit ftreams ; 
They juftly fhall God's endlefs hate endure, 
Who the fole Author of His Love abjure. 

My love, the heart, where it was kindled, leaves, 
And to Thy Love infeparably cleaves, 
O keep me there, my foul to Love unite, 
Keep omniprefent Love ftill in my fight ; 
That I in a£ts of love my age may fpend, 
No whifpers of concupifcence attend ; 
In that dear union I myfelf would lofe, 
Would into Love Immenfe my foul transfufe ; 
In Love I mould entirely acquiefce, 
Drown'd in abyfTal Love, feel no excefs. 



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SECOND SUNDAY 



To Thee, O Love, my fpirit I refign, 

keep me incommunicably Thine ; 

Thy Love I would appropriate to my heart, 
Yet, for Thy fake, wifh all mankind a part \ 

1 wifh that all would love Thee more than I, 
Or ftrive with me, who mould in Love outvie ; 
With all my powers ftretch'd to their utmoft 

might, 
I'll love myfelf and love in them excite ; 
But till I my Beloved in Heaven behold, 
Love will feel interruptions damp and cold ; 
They'll be my conftant crucifixions here, 
And make me long for Heaven, Love's native 

fphere ; 
Yet (till my love fhall ftrive Thy Love to pleafe, 
Though love in abfence never is at eafe -, 
Fruition only gives a lover reft, 
I languifh of my Love to be pofTefs'd. 

Eternal Father ! 'twas Thy Love alone 
Gave Thy loved Son Thy anger to atone. 
Eternal Son ! Love drew Thee from on high, 
To be incarnate and for finners die ; 
Eternal Spirit ! Thee pure Love inclined, 
To build Thy temple in a lover's mind ; 
O Love Triune ! celeftial Love infpire, 
Help me to love as much as I defire ; 
The very feraphims would grieve in blifs, 
To think their love's too little, too remifs ; 
But that Thou their capacities doft fill, 







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And limitation is Thy Heavenly will ; 

But Love will ftrive from limits to get free, 

And that fweet ftrife will everlafting be. 

Into Thy image, Love transform my mind, 
May I, like Thee, become Love unconfined ; 



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joy, with all the faints above, 



And I congratulate that Thou art Love ; 
My meditation on Thy Love is fweet, 
On that I feaft in my devout retreat ; 
On Love my contemplation loves to {lay, 
And opens to receive Thy lovely ray ; 
With my Beloved, I with delight converfe, 
And fong of my enamourment rehearfe. 

The Blefled Three in man's formation join'd, 
All three co-breathed is God's enamour'd mind ; 
All Three to re-enkindle the quench'd fire, 
In co-immenfe philanthropy confpire ; 
From God Triune my powers triune diftil, 
My intellect, my memory, and will; 
I to Triunal Love devote all three, 
They, in that Love, mall co-united be ; 
My intellect mall fail God's Love about, 
Find lands unknown of Love unbounded out ; 
Each voyage in infinity I take, 
Will of God's Love fome new difcoveries make -, 
My memory mall faithful journals keep, 
Of bleffings gain'd in that unfathom'd deep ; 



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THIRD SUNDAY 



Into my will when I unlade my ftore, 
Infatiate Love will fend me back for more. 

Give me a love, Lord, full of zealous flames, 
Which at infinity of loving aims ; 
Which all things dares, which ail things under- 
goes, 
And fin excepted, no affliction knows ; 
Give me a love which Thou wilt re-exhauft, 
Beft found, when moft in Love's vaft ocean loft - y 
Give me a love which feels no reft beneath, 
Which with impatience after Thee fhall breathe ; 
Give me a love which Love celeftial may 
With re-ejaculated Love repay , 
Give me a love which martyrdom endears, 
Love on the Crofs moft Jefus-like appears ; 
And when my love its utmoft height acquires, 
I'll fill its wants in infinite defires. 



THIRD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 

I fay unto you, that likewife joy fhall be in Heaven over 
one firmer that repenteth. — Luke xv. 7. 

YOU blefTed angels at the Throne 
Sing when a finner makes his moan \ 
Have you no fong to fing above 
When penitents begin to love, 




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FTER TRINITY 



In which you blifsful love and joy- 
To hymn the God of Love employ ? 

if you have, teach it my heart, 
That I with you may fing my part. 

But when with you my part I've fung, 

1 yet fhall want a nobler tongue ; 
God's Love to fouls you cannot reach, 
It far tranfcends angelic fpeech ; 
The feraphs fing the loftieft tune, 
And nearer! are to God Triune, 

Yet never could a hymn compofe 
Which to the height of faints arofe. 

Can you conceive the Love Divine 
EfTential to the Godhead Trine ? 
The boundlefs Love the Father fhews 
To Filial God, Who from Him flows ? 
The boundlefs Love the Son repays 
For His communicated rays, 
A Love like this God deigns to bear 
To all who His chafte lovers are. 

To be beloved to this degree 

Is neareft to infinity ; 

You angels, though confirm'd in blifs, 

Feel you a Love fublime as this ? 

Say, ye celeftial orders nine, 

Should your poetic powers combine, 

Say, can ye all a hymn indite 

Of fuch a love to reach the height ? 




*43 



FOURTH SUNDAY 



You in the Heavenly Temple wait. 
You hymn God's majeftatic ftate, 
You keep with God a diftance due, 
And cannot bear too bright a view -, 
God in His lovers' hearts appears, 
There He His Throne and Temple rears, 
And here they blifsfully unite 
With God by Love, as you by fight. 

Since fongs of feraphs fall too low, 
The praifes which to God I owe, 
Teach me, Eternal Dove, to fing, 
Of facred fong Thou boundlefs Spring, 
All I derive from Thy fweet aid 
Shall be in hymn to Thee repaid ; 
Thus, Lord, between Thy Love and me 
Shall dear reciprocations be. 



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FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 

And not only they, but ourfelves alfo, which have the 
firft fruits of the Spirit, even we with ourfelves groan within 
ourfelves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption 
of our body. — Romans viii. 23. 

MY God, fince I in exile here, 
Live from the beatific fphere, 
And Thou above 
Haft the fole title to my love, 




a 44- 






AFTER TRINirr. 



I muft my envoys fend, 
Who mail on Thy dread Throne attend, 
And there relate 
Of my devoted love the various ftate. 

My prayers I fend up every day, 
They meet with frequent juft delay, 

Yet oft defire 
Will in a pulfe to Heaven afpire, 

And in a pulfe re-fly ; 
But that which fooneft mounts on high, 
I all my days 
Have found to be ejaculated praife. 

Faft as a thought praife foars direct, 
God His own praife will not reject, 

While praife I fing, 
No feraph has a fwifter wing, 

When it has made its flights, 
It brings a tafte of Heaven's delights, 
My gains below 
I more to praife than fupplication owe. 

Since darted praifes had fuch force, 
And mounted with fo fwift a courfe, 

I thought to try 
To fend a folemn embafTy, 

And while I prayers defign'd, 
For common envoys of my mind, 
Turn'd round my eye 
To choofe fome fit plenipotentiary. 




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24.5 



FOURTH SUNDAY 



Of facred Hymn I ftraight made choice, 
With organ equipaged, and voice ; 

Soon as my Hymn 
Reach'd the fupernal ocean's brim, 

The angels, who before 
Stood ready on the heavenly more, 
Their friend embraced, 
And its high entrance with their chariots graced. 

My Hymn its public entrance made 
With an angelic cavalcade, 

It pafs'd along 
Through an immenfe God-hymning throng, 

While the celeftial choir 
To welcome facred Hymn confpire, 
Which fung on earth, 
Yet from Divine Extraction took its birth. 

Soon as my Hymn had reach'd the Throne, 
Adoring low the Three in One, 

The glorious Three 
Acceptance gracious co-decree, 

Its failings overlook, 
The well-meant fong benignly took, 
It brought rich ftore 
Of Love, and I ftraight fent it back for more. 

Since that I every night and morn 
A new ambaffador adorn, 

A hymn prepare, 
To lie my daily ledger there, 





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AFTER TRINirr. 



It at the Throne remains, 
Still facrificing grateful ftrains, 
With languors ftrong, 
Till I in Heaven fhall perfect every fong. 



FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 

Life. 

For he that will love life, and fee good days, let him 
refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they fpeak 
no guile : let him efchew evil, and do good j let him feek 
peace, and enfue it. — i Peter iii. 10, n. 

OLIFE, what art thou ? oft I try 
To paint thee to my ghoftly eye, 
I all evanid things furvey, 
But them when I againft thee weigh, 
A vapour, flower, a fleep, a dream, 
Preponderating turn the beam. 

A vapour ere diffolved in air, 
A flower ere ceafing to look fair, 
A fleep, a dream, ere they expire, 
Some fhort duration ftill require ; 
But Life fleets rather than abides, 
Away in half a fecond Aides. 

Methinks, when Death I call to mind, 
Life might be eafily defined ; 




24.7 




FIFTH SUNDAY 



Death's a privation of our all, 
Life then we mould fruition call : 
Yet nothing we to Life allow, 
But the fruition of this Now. 






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Thought Life infers ; to duft we fink 
That moment when we ceafe to think : 
From thought to thought my life runs on, 
'Tis irretrievably foon gone : 
Thought, ere I can enjoy it, flies, 
Till a new thought frefh life fupplies. 

O fool, of fhort-lived goods pofTefs'd, 

In mere incertainties to reft, 

From your full barns and bags of gold, 

To dream of flowly growing old ; 

Can you bribe Death with all your ftore, 

To refpite you one moment more ? 

Ah ! who can this fhort life enfure, 
That it beyond this thought mall dure ? 
Of millions Death the end has wrought, 
Juft in the middle of a thought. 
This life of mine each moment lies 
In danger of a like furprife. 

Surprife ! Ah me that word I dread, 
To drop down on a fudden dead, 
And be by fiends to judgment hail'd, 
Ere prayers for mercy have prevail'd ; 



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AFTER TRINITT. 



No wretch but quakes, when we relate 
The horrors of fo dire a fate. 



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Tell me, my foul, is there no art 
To arm againft Death's fudden dart ? 
Has gracious Heaven contrived no way 
Of lengthening here our mortal flay, 
Or on this momentaneous ftage 
In a fhort time to live an age ? 

'Tis fin which fhortens vital day, 
And when we feel our breath decay, 
Convictions then come rufhing in, 
That Life has been but death in fin ; 
On time miflpent we ne'er reflect, 
Till we are damn'd for its neglect. 

The infants, from the font who fly 
Unfullied to the joys on high, 
Live longer than obdurate men, 
Who fin to threefcore years and ten : 
Old finners ne'er true life obtain, 
Till ghoftly babes and born again. 

Were I Immortal Life to fpend, 

In all the woes which fin attend, 

In dangers, ficknefs, troubles, pain, 

Which we in wretched life fuftain ; 

I Death would court, this life not prize, 

And immortality defpife. 



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FIFTH SUNDAY 



Souls who to endlefs joys afpire, 
This life endure, but death defire : 
The fhorteft life they deem the beft, 
The fooneft freed from fin and blefs'd -, 
No weary pilgrim but revives 
When he at wifh'd-for home arrives. 

Saints live eternally above 

In beatific joy, hymn, love, 

At Life's unbounded fource they drink, 

Of God they never ceafe to think. 

We thofe dear moments only live, 

Which we to God devoutly give. 

Lord, may I never lofe Thy fight, 
May I in Thy fole Love delight ; 
I am, live, move in Thee alone, 
God-man will for my fins atone j 
While I by trebled zeal and tears 
Strive to retrieve my carelefs years. 





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AFTER TRINITY. 



SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 
Jefus our All in All 

Therefore we are buried with Him by baptifm into 
death : that like as Chrift was raifed up from the dead by 
the glory of the Father, even fo we alfo mould walk in 
newnefs of life. — Romans vi. 4. 

MY Jefus, fince Thy Love Divine 
Indulges me to call Thee mine, 
Affift me while I caft accounts, 
To what a fum my ftock amounts, 
A fulnefs I in Thee poflefs, 
Beyond the reach of human guefs. 

The wealth which dazzles worldly eye?, 
Which in gold mines or diamonds lies, 
Is vain, fhort-lived, and gaudy dirt, 
Can heal no wound or mortal hurt ; 
Can cure no ficknefs, eafe no fmart, 
And flicks with thorns the mifer's heart. 

To fouls born blind, their cheerful Tight, 
The radiance of falvific light, 
Love, which the pondus of the will 
Shall weigh to good, averfe to ill, 
Wild paffions tamed, a foul ferene, 
From wilful guilt a confcience clean. 

Patience or eafe in iharpeft pain, 
All lofs for Jefus turn'd to gain ; 




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Afflictions to the foul endear'd, 
All clouds of God's difpleafure clear'd, 
In martyrdom fupport and joy, 
The force of torture to deftroy. 

In weaknefs vigour to oppofe, 
And conquer our infernal foes, 
A yoke benign, a burthen light, 
Omnipotent and gracious might, 
A price ineftimable paid, 
The blood of God our ranfom made. 

To penitents full pardon feal'd, 
Truth, graced with miracles reveal'd ; 
Acceptance to our worthlefs prayers, 
A freedom from diftracling cares, 
In trouble confolations fweet ; 
God's prefence in devout retreat. 

In error's labyrinths when we ftray, 
Guides to direcl: the heaven-ward way, 
To frailties a companion mild, 
Wifdom to keep us unbeguiled, 
A purity from native ftain, 
Souls new-infpired, and born again. 

The curfe original fupprefs'd, 
And all our earthly portion blefs'd, 
Love providential which contrives, 
For faints the bleffings of both lives, 




AFTER TRINITY. 




To be God's Tons, and when we die 
Co-heirs with Filial God on high. 

God Filial pleafed to condefcend, 
To be our all-fufficient Friend, 
And though exalted to His Throne, 
That dear relation ftill to own, 
And fend the boundlefs Source of grace, 
The Spirit, to fupply His place. 

Our rifing from death's difmal made 
In bodies glorified array'd, 
In Heaven eternally to fhare 
In all the joys and glories there, 
Which feraphs who that blifs imbibe, 
Want comprehenfion to defcribe. 

Thefe bleflings and unnumber'd more, 
For all our needs a boundlefs ftore, 
To the blefs'd lot of lovers fall, 
Jefus to them is All in all, 
Saints here who Jefus make their choice, 
Ne'er ceafe to triumph and rejoice. 

Jefus, fhouldft Thou forfake my heart, 
With Thee I with my All mould part, 
And mould my All abandon me, 
Love would annihilated be, 
But Thee and Love to keep I'll ftrive, 
I cannot my loft All furvive. 



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SE TENTH SUN DAT 



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SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 

Ifpeak after the manner of men becaufe of the infirmity 
of your flefh : for as ye have yielded your members fervants 
to uncleannefs and to iniquity unto iniquity ; even fo now 
yield your members fervants to righteoufnefs unto holi- 
nefs. — Romans vi. 19. 

LET others fail the world about, 
To find ftrange countries out, 
A land unknown I have within, 

Inhabited by fin, 
Which from my intellectual view 
Long time itfelf withdrew. 

My thought had often made eflay, 

Its limits to furvey, 
But ftill it found out fomething new, 

Which ne'er before I knew, 
And though I launch'd my thought again, 

Its voyage made in vain. 

It glides away like floating ifles, 

My anchor it beguiles, 
Worfe monfters there excite my dread, 

Than Afric ever bred, 
Proud Babel's ruins never bore 

Such a mis-fhapen ftore. 

To God I then myfelf applied, 

That He my courfe would guide ; 



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AFTER TRINITY. 



Kind Heaven a compafs to me gave, 
To fleer me in the wave, 

And coafting round the moving fands, 
My thought upon it lands. 

It was my heart I fearch'd, unknown 

To all but God alone ; 
It was by God's all-gracious aid 

I my difcoveries made, 
His law my needle, in ftraight line, 

Turn'd to the Pole Divine. 

With that I o'er the region ftray'd, 
It was of labyrinths made, 

And I when difengaged from one, 
Into another run. 

When their amufements me aggrieved, 
My needle me relieved. 

Equivocation, mints of wile, 
All fhapes of baneful guile, 

Of all impieties the fprings, 

The ferpent's bites and ftings, 

Referve, lie, falvo, and excufe, 
The confcience to feduce. 

Lufts fiding with the powers of hell, 
Which 'gainft great God rebel, 

Strong averfations to God's law, 
All thefe and more I faw, 




255 




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SEVENTH SUNDAY 



I could much fooner count my hairs, 
Than all its mazy fnares. 

Long time thefe furies had declined 

The empire of my mind, 
A thoufand ftratagems had tried 

Themfelves from me to hide ; 
But I the rebels vow'd to chain, 

My empire to regain. 

When of the foe I had this fight, 

I then began the fight ; 
And I by fuccours from on high 

Made my heart proftrate lie, 
I placed my fpirit on the throne, 

Forced all its rule to own. 

But traitorous luft me ftill waylaid, 

Conceal'd in ambufcade, 
They ftorm'd my mind with new-fpun cheats, 

Till lafh'd to their retreats ; 
And if I chance my watch to flack, 

My foul they re-attack. 

To gracious God I made my prayer, 

Miftrufting my own care, 
The Guardian of my heart to be, 

Which was too hard for me, 
He deign'd my offering to accept, 

He fafe my fpirit kept. 




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AFTER TRINITY. 



God will its frauds to me impart, 
Sole Searcher of the heart, 

It mail no more on me impofe, 
Or with the tempter clofe. 

The more its powers to Thee incline, 
Lord, 'twill the more be Thine. 



EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 

Brethren, we are debtors, not to the flefh, to live after 
the flefh. For if ye live after the flefh, ye (hall die : but 
if ye through the fpirit do mortify the deeds of the body, 
ye fhall live. — Romans viii. 12, 13. 

O FOOLISH heart, which often ftrays, 
And for deftru£tive lufts purveys, 
You numerous experiments have tried, 
Yet ftill return diffatisned, 

Why feek you thus in vain, 
For what you never can obtain ? 

All worldly joys which glittering feem, 
And at a diftance raife efteem, 
Soon as they have admittance to your arms, 
Betray their meretricious charms, 

The cheat apparent grows, 
You only court eternal woes. 




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EIGHTH SUNDAY 



Egypt, with various idols ftored, 
Such idle fancies ne'er adored, 
When to their onions they their worfhip paid. 
Their hunger was by them allay'd ; 

But all things you purfue, 
Allay not hunger, but raife new. 

Would you one minute make eflay 
Yourfelf againft the world to weigh, 
You then would foon perceive the world confined, 
And the immenfenefs of your mind, 

'Twixt an immenfe and bound, 
Think what proportion can be found. 



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It is not narrownefs alone 
Should make you this low world difown. 
Since it for fin was curfed, it is impure., 
Saints its empoifon'd baits abjure, 

And where it once intrudes, 
It damns, as well as fouls deludes. 

Fix, O my heart, your ghoftly eye 
On God's immenfe benignity, 
God is the only Object which can fill 
The fphere of your capacious will, 

While you to God afpire, 
You all poflefs you can defire. 

In God is all-fufficient ftore, 

My heart, O never wander more : 




AFTER TRINITY. 



O that I had a cherub's numerous eyes, 
To guard me from a re-iurprife ! 
Lord, to my fuccour hafte, 
To Thy dear Love, O keep me chafte. 



NINTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 

I fay unto you, Make to yourfelves friends of the mam- 
mon of unrighteoufnefs ; that, when ye fail, they may 
receive you into everlafting habitations. — Luke xvi. 9. 

MORE blefs'd to give than to receive, 
We, taught by Heaven, believe : 
That copies deity immenfe, 

This fprings from indigence. 
To that the faint with zeal propends, 
Which infinitely this tranfcends. 

To covetoufnefs I am inclined, 

When that I call to mind, 
I would at every foreign fhore, 

Freight boundlefs precious ore ; 
I Dives' mighty treafures crave, 
The fool's full barns I fain would have. 

Like Solomon I would abound, 

With gains more precious crown'd, 

Yet wealth, ore, treafure, barns and gem, 
I wholly mould contemn -, 




259 



NINTH SUNDAY 



Had I not Solomon's large heart, 
Gold to the needy to impart. 

O happy riches, which o'erflow 

To all in want or woe ! 
Which have no wings to fly away, 

But with the liberal ftay, 
Of friends and wealth, they ftore provide 
In Heaven immenfely multiplied. 

Happy rich man ! did he but know 

How riches to beftow, 
Who trufts not in his plenteous (tores, 

Or idol wealth adores ; 
God's goodnefs who to copy ftrives, 
And gains the bleffings of both lives. 

My God, we indigent below 

Have nothing to beftow ; 
Our all is from Thy gracious Throne, 

We nought can ftyle our own, 
And when to Thee we offerings bring, 
The drops are of Thy boundlefs fpring. 

But, O benignity divine ! 

When offering what is Thine, 
Thou doft as ours Thy own accept, 

For which rewards are kept, 
We all our days receivers live, 
Of what we to the donor give. 






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AFTER TRINITT. 



A dying giver of God's own, 
The living poor bemoan ; 

He advocates in Heaven will find, 
To plead for him combined, 

Jefus' poor brethren will contend, 

Who {hall moft fhew himfelf his friend. 

Soon as by Heaven's appointment led, 
Death mail approach his bed, 

His guardian will to th' happy fphere 
Traject his death is near ; 

And ere one minute drops, the news 

O'er happy Hades will diffufe. 

The poor who blifs before had gain'd, 
Whom he in life fuftain'd, 

At the traje&ed thought will meet, 
And falling at God's Feet, 

With ardour for him intercede, 

And for joys fupereffluent plead. 

The hungry will recall his bread, 

On which they daily fed, 
The thirfty, the refrefhing bowls, 

With which he cheer'd their fouls j 
The Arranger wandering in the ftreet, 
His free, his hofpitable treat. 

The naked, clothes which them fecured 
From cold they had endured ; 



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NINTH SUNDAY 



The fick, the vifits they received, 

And how by them relieved, 
The prifoners, helps and fuccours kind 
He fhew'd them when in chains confined. 

The debtors, how their debts he paid, 

By lofles when decay'd ; 
The Chriftians flaves to Pagans fold, 

Whom he redeem'd with gold ; 
Widows and fatherlefs, fupplied 
By him, when by the world denied. 

His foes for whom Chrift-like he pray'd 

And good for ill repaid, 
Damn'd fouls to whom he warnings gave 

And tried all means to fave, 
Shall felf-confufed before the Throne 
His charities to either own. 

The guardians whom Heaven deign'd to fend. 

The happy poor to tend ; 
Devoutly will the fame declare, 

Enforcing all their prayer, 
And his own angel will recount 
Vaft fums to which his alms amount. 



None to fearch chronicles (hall need, 

For a paft noble deed ; 
As the great King by Efther gain'd 

For Mordecai ordain'd : 




262 



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AFTER TRINITY. 



Each grain of charitable gold 
Is in the Book of Life enrolled. 

There the poor's prayers recorded lie, 

And all his fuccours by; 
There the poor's praifes patent ftand 

For fuccours from his hand ; 
And him the favourite of Heaven's King, 
Guardians and happy poor will fing. 

Blefs'd Jefus folemnly will own 
Love to His brethren (hewn, 

And guardians of the poor he fed 
Defpatch'd to his death-bed, 

His beatific flight will aid, 

With an angelic cavalcade. 

Jefus the Judge will at His right 
Allot him manfions bright, 

Among the blefs'd with a high place, 
His bounteous lover grace ; 

Heaven {hall in Hymn the truth atteft, 

To give, than to receive, more bleft. 

May I to Jefus' brethren fpare 

In all His gifts a fhare, 
And not defer till I go hence 

My portion to difpenfe, 
A death-bed alms extorted feems, 
A life of alms God moft efteems. 



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TENTH SUNDAY 



TENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 

J ejus* Love Preferred. 

No man can fay that Jefus is the Lord, but by the Holy 
Ghoft. — i Cor. xii. 3. 

MY Jefus, Thou all lovely art, 
And fhouldft be loved with all the heart ; 
But woe is me, my heart is prone 
Thee for curfed trifles to difown ; 
O with a Love Thy votary blefs, 
Proportion'd to Thy lovelinefs ! 

Our want, Thou, Jefu, didft foreknow, 
And didft proportion'd Love beftow ; 
At Thy afcent Thou in Thy place 
Didft leave the boundlefs Source of Grace. 
We at the Source of Love abide, 
Where wants of Love are all fupplied. 

O blefling, next to that dear Love, 
Which drew God Filial from above ! 
Oh God co-breathed, who Love art ftyled, 
Delighting in fouls undefiled ! 
Towards God my whole propenfion turn, 
Love heavenly cannot downwards burn. 

Great Third of the co-glorious Trine, 
O may my fpirit Thee enfhrine, 



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AFTER TRINITY. 



O confecrate my mortal frame 
Into a temple to Thy Name ! 
O be Thou of my foul the Soul, 
And all rebellious powers control ! 

O Love Immenfe, within me dwell, 
All loves but Thy own Love expel ! 
Within my heart Thy piercing eye 
Will all abfconded lufts defcry ; 
Thy goodnefs, which all thought exceeds, 
Will bring fupplies for all my needs. 

My foul with Truth's bright radiance fill. 
Keep me refign'd to God's fole Will ; 
Whene'er I ftray, be Thou my Guide, 
Fix me, inclining to backflide ; 
Quicken me when I ftupid grow, 
Deep confolations, when in woe. 

O purify my foul from ftain, 
All tendencies towards ill reftrain ; 
My foul with warm devotion fire, 
Which may with fighs and groans afpire ; 
Invigorate me when afraid, 
When weak, vouchfafe me heavenly aid. 

Truth facred in my memory keep, 
For fin create contrition deep j 
All filial grace in me excite, 
Be Witnefs that I walk upright ; 




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TENTH SUNDAY 



Seal pardon for tranfgreffions paft, 
Support me when I breathe my laft. 

Be Monitor Thy law to heed, 
Be Advocate my caufe to plead, 
By Thee may I be born again, 
By Thee celeftial glory gain ; 
To me be Water, Oil, Fire, Wind, 
To cleanfe, oint, warm, and wing my mind. 

Into my foul good thoughts injecT:, 
Inculcate them till I reflect ; 
Confideration thence will grow, 
Affections from confidering flow ; 
Affections to refolves arife, 
And for eternals make us wife. 

Such graces, O co-eifluent Dove, 
Are the effluxes of Thy Love ; 
No mortal can their numbers tell, 
They all arithmetic excel ; 
And yet, though numberlefs they are, 
Each faint in all enjoys a fhare. 

I objects fee ; yet in my brain 
How vifion's made, cannot explain ; 
My foul the Spirit working feels 
While modes of working He conceals ; 
When God makes in our fouls abode, 
'Tis curiofity to fearch the mode. 




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AFTER TRINITY. 



O Love co-breathed, I Love implore, 
O give me Love, I need no more ; 
Gifts are for fouls heroic meet, 
Referved for heights or fufferings great ; 
But void of Love I cannot live, 
In that Thou wilt all graces give. 



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Jefu ! I'll love, I'll hymn Thy Name, 
From Thee co-effluent Godhead came ; 
Love fned by Him, through Thee mail rife, 
Paternal Godhead's facrince, 
Of Love the co-eternal Three 
Are thus the fpring, the ftream, the fea. 



ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 

yefus our Prieft. 

For I delivered unto you firft of all that which I alio 
received, how that Chrift died for our fins according to the 
Scriptures.— i Cor. xv. 3. 

WHEN Adam finn'd, and all his line 
Loft the fimilitude Divine, 
Angels who faw proud ghofts rebel 
And hurl'd unpitied down to hell, 
Expected when Almighty ire 
Should thunder-ftrike our guilty fire. 




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ELEVENTH SUNDAY 



Should general flame this world confume, 
As great as at the day of doom, 
An holocaufl for fontal fin, 
Big with a vicious race within, 
'Twould be too little to atone 
God's wrath for His infulted Throne. 



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But when God Filial ofFer made 
To be in human flefh array'd, 
To die for man, from blifsful fight 
They drew of Saviour in juft light 
Ideas clear, and to their lyres 
Sang Filial God in all their quires. 

O Love, too boundlefs to be fhewn 
By any but great God alone ! 
O Love offended, which fuftains 
The bold offender's curfe and pains ! 
O Love which could no motive have, 
But mere benignity to fave ! 

O Sacrifice from blemifh free, 
Worthy the God of Purity ! 
O Sacrifice, like God, immenfe, 
Atoning by equivalence ! 
O Sacrifice too dear to fail 
With God Paternal to prevail ! 

We angels thought ourfelves fupreme 
To fpotlefs man in God's efteem ; 




268 



AFTER TRIM ITT. 



But God mows Love to Adam ftain'd, 
Which finful angels ne'er obtain'd ; 
God's Love we to lapfed man adore, 
And Juftice, which gave angels o'er. 

Death only can atone for guilt, 
Angels no blood had to be fpilt ; 
Had God angelic form affumed, 
To death He never could be doom'd ; 
Pure mercy man condemn'd to die, 
That Jefus might his doom fupply. 

God Filial we admire, decreed 
A Sacrifice for man to bleed ; 
But for a prieft we look intent, 
Who (hall the Sacrifice prefent ; 

there is none but God's own Son, 
Both Prieft and Sacrifice are one. 

Thus angels fang, who but began 
To fee Love future of God-man : 
Soon as Redemption was complete 
Their hymns had more ecftatic heat, 
God-man His Throne then re-poflefs'd, 
And to His Father thus addrefs'd : 

^i^'l^S Great Father, to foft pity prone, 

1 Myfelf offer at Thy Throne, 
I for lapfed man My Blood have med, 
Transferr'd his guilt on My own Head, 





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ELEVENTH SUNDAY 



And My Blood fpilt before Thee plead. 
That man maybe from vengeance freed. 

Thy tender bowels yearn'd on Me, 
When I hung tortured on the Tree ; 
May thofe dear bowels yearn on all, 
Who feek recovery from their fall ; 
Thy attributes full glory gain 
In Me, Thy Son co-equal, {lain. 

My Sacrifice before Thy eyes, 
Eternally to melt Thee lies, 
Forgive all fins, no grace refufe 
To votaries who My Name fhall ufe ; 
May all who have to Thee recourfe, 
Of My Atonement feel the force. 

Rays more benign than ever mined, 
Since the firft rife of human-kind, 
From God's Paternal Sweetnefs ftream'd 
On His dear Son Who man redeem'd, 
God melting, like His Son all o'er, 
Gave all He heard His Son implore. 

O Love, which at the Throne remains, 
Which all inflammatives contains, 
Which gives to all a free accefs, 
Companion fhews to all diftrefs ! 
O Love, in which all joys confpire, 
Which fill and terminate defire ! 







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AFTER TRINITT. 



O fin, God's hatred for which none 
But Filial God could God atone ! 
Paft fins which grieve me, Lord, forgive, 
Thy prieft and facrifice I'll live, 
Till I, like Thee, in Heaven above 
Re-offer and complete my love. 



TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 

Likenefs to Jejus. 

If the miniftration of death, written and engraven in 
ftones, was glorious, fo that the children of Ifrael could 
not ftedfaftly behold the face of Mofes for the glory of his 
countenance, which glory was to be done away : How 
fhall not the miniftration of the Spirit be rather glorious ? 

2 Cor. iii. 7-8. 



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OSES on high twice twenty days, 
Ingulf d in majeftatic rays, 
And had ideas bright 
In elevated fight, 
Of all the facred things which God ordain'd 
Should in His tabernacle be contain'd. 

See, faid Jehovah, all things made, 
Like to the patterns you furvey'd ; 

The numerous precepts he 

Kept ftored in memory, 



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TWELFTH SUN DAT 



And all things by thofe heavenly patterns drew, 
Prefented on the mountain to his view. 

My Jefus, when in blefs'd retreat, 
I Thee in meditation meet, 
Thou doft exalt my eye, 
Thy beauties to defcry, 
Each grace which in Thee mines, devotion fires, 
I to abide with Thee am all defires. 

My foul, which mould Thy temple be, 
From all pollution mould be free ; 
But though now wam'd in tear. 
My treacherous heart I fear, 
Warp'd to the world, may make it too impure, 
For pureft God the building to endure. 

Ah mould it warp, I'd weep it clear, 
A temple then to thee I'll rear, 

Adorn'd with every grace 

I in Thy footfteps trace ; 

keep Thy graces lively in my mind, 
That all my powers by Thee may be refined. 

Thou fweetly doft my foul enjoin 
To copy out each grace divine ; 

Lovers at likenefs aim, 

That two may be the fame : 
Thou infinitely amiable art, 

1 by Thy model long to form my heart. 




272 



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AFTER TRINITY. 



Thou, God's loved Son, haft God appeafed, 
God is immenfely in Thee pleafed ; 
May I, like Thee, be ftyled 
Paternal Godhead's child : 
The more I like to the loved Son appear, 
The more I fhall be to the Father dear. 

My Jefus, when Thou goeft away, 
All Thy ideas foon decay, 
I want a longer time 
To treat of things fublime ; 
I forty years too fhort a fpace efteem, 
To live abforb'd in Thy tranfporting beam. 

Dear Jefus, long, long with me ftay, 
When of my heart I take furvey, 
Thy dread, all-feeing eye, 
Into each thought will pry, 
Shouldft Thou one moment leave my heart 

alone, 
It to my fearch may leave referves unknown. 

Thy Love, fweet Jefus, Thee inclined 
To ftoop to frailties of mankind, 
Thou, pitying our lapfed ftate, 
Doft of our debt abate, 
Thou doft no hard feverities impofe, 
Short tears begin our joys, and end our woes. 

Jefus, when Thou from me wilt part, 
Deep grave Thy image on my heart, 




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THIRTEENTH SUNDAY 



O confcience, keep awake, 

Care of the image take, 
And from its likenefs, when my life declines, 
Check me, and reclify my devious lines. 

Loved and adored be Thy great Name, 
My Jefus, Who doft fouls reframe, 
To a true God-like height, 
Tranfcending Adam's flight, 
Ere the curfed tempter his confent o'erpower'd, 
And lovely virgin innocence deflower'd. 



THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 

Which now of thefe three, thinkeft thou, was neighbour 
unto him that fell among the thieves } — Luke x. 36. 

SEE there a Jew from th' hallow'd town 
To Jericho is going down, 
Unguarded as he goes that way, 
To bloody thieves becomes a prey ; 
They rob, ftrip, wound, and bruife him fore, 
There he lies weltering in his gore ; 
A Prieft and Levite fee his flare, 
But fearing like difaftrous fate, 
Left him half dead, and gafping lie, 
And pafs in hafte their brother by j 
But a Samaritan, a name 
To Jews moft hateful and infame, 




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AFTER TRINITY. 



When he fees where the Jewwas caft, 
Who bleeding feem'd to breathe his laft, 
Soft pity pierces deep his breaft, 
He there draws near his foe diftrefs'd, 
With wine and oil, which by his care 
For his own health provided were, 
He tries the helplefs to relieve, 
And in the hopelefs life retrieve, 
His fores he fearches with kind hand, 
Cleanfes with wine from dirt and fand, 
Pours oil to eafe and heal each wound, 
Which there is with foft fwathing bound ; 
To fave the Jew he freely chofe 
Himfelf to danger to expofe ; 
There on the envious naked Jew 
He his own upper garment threw, 
On his own beaft the wretch he lays, 
And to a diftant inn conveys, . 
To walk afoot to tend him deigns, 
And with kind arms his bulk fuftains ; 
There of the inn defrays the fcores, 
Charged them to tend his painful fores, 
There promifes the reft to pay 
Soon as he mould return that way. 

This parable by Jefus was defign'd 
By picture to inform and pleafe the mind, 
To copy the Philanthrophy Divine, 
Who on the worft of finners deigns to mine ; 
Each faint the ftory to herfelf applies, 
By Jefus taught, go, and do thou likewife. 




275 




FOURTEENTH SUNDAY 



FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 

And when He faw them, He faid unto them, Go fhew 
yourfelves unto the priefts, And it came to pafs, that, as 
they went, they were cleanfed. — Luke xvii. 14. 

BLESS'D Jefus, Thy propitious Heart 
Would fympathize with every fmart s 
When wretches to Thee cried, 
No help was e'er denied, 
Thy wondrous goodnefs was difplay'd, 
In giving fuper-human aid : 

I bring an objecT: to Thy fight, 
Will glorify Thy gracious might, 

A confluence of needs 

Here for Thy pity pleads, 
I of Thy miracles implore 
A mighty confluential ftore. 

Lord, 'tis my heart, let Thy mild Eyes 
Vouchfafe commenfurate fupplies, 

To heavenly truths my mind 

Is by the lapfe, born blind, 
My ears to Thy fweet calls are clofed, 
My tongue to praife Thee indifpofed. 

By baneful lufts I am poffefs'd, 
Tempeftuous paffions me infeft, 




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AFTER TRINITY. 



I'm impotence all o'er, 

Inveterate is my fore, 
With leprofy I am befpread, 
Love in habitual guilt lies dead. 

My Lord, my God, to Thee I pray, 
Unpitied fend me not away, 

My malady control, 

Command me to be whole ; 
Thy word will me to health reftore, 
Speak but one word, I afk no more. 

My eyes Thy Love will then fee clear, 
My ears Thy gracious call will hear, 

My filent tongue will fpeak, 

And into praifes break, 
Of lufts I fhall be difpoflefs'd, 
Sweet peace will then becalm my breaft. 

Thy powerful aids will me fuftain, 
Of weaknefs I'll no more complain, 

My rocky heart will melt, 

When it Thy Love has felt, 
No leprous fpots will me furprife, 
My love from ghoftly death will rife. 

Thou didft pur frailties undergo, 

That Thou mightft foft companion fhew, 

Thy tender heart condoles 

With all afHiaed fouls ; 



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FOURTEENTH SUNDAY 



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Oh ! for Thy dolorous Paffion's fake, 
Hafte to my reftoration make. 

Thou in one fingle acT: divine 
A heap of miracles wilt join, 

In complicate difeafe 

Give complicated eafe, 
And when Thou (halt my heart reftore, 
With all my powers I'll Thee adore. 

Among the faints I'll concerts raife, 
To fing Thee complicated praife, 

My heart by Thee refined, 

Shall live to Thee refign'd, 
I loves for Loves will ftrive to pay, 
New Hymns I'll offer every day. 

Thy Love kept Thy own Mother pure, 
And from infernal force fecure, 

No luff her foul could harm, 

Supported by Thy Arm, 
She in the world lived difembroil'd, 
And God's bright Image kept unfoil'd. 

She always ghoftly health enjoy'd ; 
My foul is with difeafe annoy'd, 

Do Thou my fpirit heal, 

Do Thou my pardon feal : 
Oft a deliverance more endears 
Than an immunity from fears. 







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AFTER TRINITT. 



FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 

The Sermon on the Mount. 
S. Matthew vi. 

OJESU ! with Thy Spirit fill my breaft, 
Defign'd by Thee on faithful fouls to reft ; 
May He Thy words to my remembrance bring, 
That I Thy own divine difcourfe may fing. 

Incarnate Word upon a mount appear'd, 
That He might by the multitude be heard \ 
And to the twelve, and crowd, who thither flock'd, 
The treafures of true wifdom thus unlock'd. 

Blefs'd are the poor in fpirit, vile and low 
In their own eyes, who their own frailties know, 
Who on God's grace, not their own merit lean, 
And like the leper, ftyle themfelves unclean ; 
The humbleft here are higheft in God's fight, 
Theirs is the glorious realm of endlefs light. 

Blefs'd are all they who mourn, whofe fighs 
their own 
And others' fins with bitternefs bemoan ; 
Ne'er in this vale of woe from forrow free, 
Where they their God fo oft offended fee ; 
They fow in tears, and from each tear they weep 
They mail a thoufand-fold of comforts reap. 




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FIFTEENTH SUNDAY 



Blefs'd are the meek, of temper gentle, fweet, 
Who unimbitter'd, the injurious treat ; 
They fhall the earth inherit, and exhauft 
That right to things below, which Adam loft. 
Though others wealth unfan&ified retain, 
God's bleffing mail on what they have remain ; 
With God, themfelves, the world, they live in 

peace, 
Anticipating joys which never ceafe. 

Blefs'd are all they who thirft and hunger feel 
For righteoufnefs, who with unwearied zeal 
Strive righteous God's bright image to regain, 
And purge themfelves from their congenial ftain; 
All their propenfions fhall their aims acquire, 
Till fill'd with God, they feel no more defire. 

Blefs'd are the merciful, whofe melting eyes 
With others' griefs benignly fympathize ; 
Who uncondoled pafs no one's forrow by, 
No danger, pain, or want, without fupply ; 
They mercy fhall obtain, and all their woes 
God for their good fhall gracioufly difpofe j 
They fhall the joys of pardon tafte below, 
Their alms fhall in full ftreams of blifs reflow. 

Blefs'd are the pure in heart, who have refined 
Each thought, each inclination of the mind, 
Who to no foul fuggeftions harbour give, 
Amidft pollutions, unpolluted live; 






AFTER TRINITY. 



Who keep God's temples holy, and take care 
That no abominations enter there; 
They fhall of God have beatific fight, 
Who only in pure votaries takes delight. 

Blefs'd are peace-makers, they who fweetly 
ftrive, 
Fraternal, mutual dearnefs to revive, 
Who are themfelves true lovers of mankind, 
And wifh that all to Love were co-inclined ; 
They fhall be call'd God's children, in them beft 
The God of Peace His likenefs fees exprefs'd. 

Blefs'd are all they, who perfecuted are, 
Who martyrdom for Love of Jefus bear : 
The greater torments they for Heaven endure, 
The more they fhall their happinefs fecure ; 
The heavenly kingdom is more firmly theirs, 
Of higher blifs and brighter manfions heirs, 
They future joys more fully fhall foretafte, 
And to their glory make the greater hafte. 

Woe to the rich ! who fading riches crave, 
They here their fhort-lived confolations have ; 
Woe to the full, who their own gufto feed, 
They'll be abandon'd to unpitied need -, 
Woe to all thofe who laugh, and pleafures heap, 
They in eternal mifery fhall weep ; 
Woe to all thofe who court evanid fame, 
They fhall fink down to everlafting fhame. 




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You, whom I to apoftolate exalt, 
To the dark, taftelefs world, are light and fait ; 
You Heavenly relifhes from me derive, 
You muft the tafte of truth in fouls revive ; 
You muft diffeminate the Love Divine, 
Placed in confpicuous orbs muft brightly mine ; 
That all who feel your Heaven-enkindled rays, 
May God, the Author of your graces, praife. 

I come the law and prophets to fulfil, 
I mental curb as well as outward ill ; 
All who henceforth a claim to Heaven pretend, 
In faintfhip muft the ftri&eft Jew tranfcend. 

Thou fhalt not kill, was the old legal ftyle ; 
I all forbid their neighbour to revile ; 
Even odious names fhall irritate God's ire, 
And run the danger of infernal fire : 
Their Altar offerings God efteems defiled, 
Who to their brethren live unreconciled. 

The law will no adultery endure, 
I no one wanton look or thought impure ; 
You all luft's finful cravings muft deny, 
Though dearer than your own right hand or 

eye. 
The marriage-knot which you fo oft untied, 
Henceforth fhall indiffoluble abide ; 
Perjurious oaths you only finful call, 
I, in converfe, permit no oaths at all. 




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AFTER TRINITY. 



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You eye for eye, and tooth for tooth require, 
And to retaliate injuries defire ; 
But charity muft now revenge afTuage ; 
In no vexatious fuits of law engage -, 
You for peace fake, muft from full rights recede, 
And never for too rigorous juftice plead ; 
With private force no outrages repel, 
On earth with condefcending fweetnefs dwell ; 
To needy neighbours freely give, or lend, 
To guide ungrateful pilgrims condefcend. 

'Twas the old maxim of the Jewifh ftate, 
To love our neighbours, and our foes to hate ; 
I love fincere to enemies enjoin ; 
Do good to them, who ill to you defign ; 
Blefs them who curfe you, daily pray for thofe 
Who to rude perfecutions you expofe ; 
'Tis God's unbounded goodnefs to ordain, 
For bad as well as good, His fun and rain ; 
You, like your Father, merciful muft be, 
And copy His immenfe benignity. 



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Give liberal alms of all that God gives you, 
Give fecretly, and fhun vain-glorious view ; 
God's piercing eye the lowly heart regards, 
To fecret alms gives vifible rewards. 



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There fervent, humble, fecret prayer prefent. 
No prayer by multitude of words efteem, 




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FIFTEENTH SUNDAY 



But by the filial love from which they ftream ; 
Vain, fenfelefs repetitions caff away, 
And by this form with firm reliance pray : 

Our Father, throned in Heaven, Thy Name 
be praifed, 
Thy kingdom over all the world be raifed ; 
May all Thy fubje&s here Thy fovereign Will, 
Like angels, with alacrity fulfil ; 
Send bread and due fupports, by which we live, 
Remit our fins, as we our foes forgive , 
Let no temptations us allure or blind, 
Guard from all ill our body and our mind ; 
Thine is the Heavenly Kingdom, Glory, Might, 
Thou to difpofe of all things haft the right. 

If you forgive not wrongs men offer you, 
In vain you mall to God for pardon fue ; 
Your fins, by faffing, conquer or chaftife, 
Obferved by none but God's all-feeing Eyes ; 
More fecret 'tis, the more it God will pleafe, 
He'll hear you and your troubled fpirit eafe ; 
Place not your blifs on earth, all treafures there 
To ruff, moths, thieves, and death, fubje£ted are ; 
Make Heaven your treafure, that can ne'er decay, 
And where your treafure is, your heart will ftay. 
The eye imparts to all the body light, 
Let pure intention guide your ghoftly fight ; 
From a dim eye the body cloud contracts, 
Intentions fenfual defecrate your ac~ts. 




AFTER TRINITY. 



None can a fervant of two lords abide, 

And equal duties to them both divide, 

None God and Mammon can at once obey, 

They human wills antar&ically fway. 

For clothes and food take no immoderate cares, 

God lilies clothes, and food for fowls prepares ; 

God tenders you much more than fowls or 

flowers, 
And bleffings down in their due feafon mowers, 
Seek Heaven in the firft place, live faint below, 
And God will thefe as overplus bellow. 

Judge not, left God you with like rigour treat, 
You muft expecl: the meafure which you mete ; 
Cenfure no motes within your brother's eye, 
While in your own you will not beams defcry ; 
With care your own fpiritual ftate attend, 
Condemn not others, but yourfelf amend ; 
Diftribute wifely pearls of Truth Divine, 
Wafte none on fouls brutifed like dogs or fwine. 

Afk and you mail receive, feek and you'll find, 
Knock and Heaven opens to a humble mind ; 
For fiih and bread, what hearts fo hard are grown, 
As to give children fcorpions or a ftone ? 
If earthly fires thus tender are, much more 
Is God, when fons His aid benign implore. 
Do that to all you'd have all do to you, 
The rule which prophets and the law purfue. 
Take heed to choofe the narrow path and gate, 



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FIFTEENTH SUNDAT 



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Found but by few, who reach the blefTed ftate \ 
Through the wide gate and fin's broad beaten 

way 
Moft of mankind to endlefs ruin ftray. 

Falfe prophets fhun, and their infidious lies, 
Wolves inwardly, though clad in fheep's difguife; 
The kinds of trees their native product, mow, 
Thus by ill aims you may deceivers know, 
They cry, Lord, Lord ! yet God's commands 

reject, 
They not God's glory, but their own refpecl:, 
They'll boaft prophetic gifts, and go about 
To work ftrange things, and devils to caft out, 
Their frauds they'll a<5t in God's moft facred 

Name, 
But God will the preftigious cheats difclaim, 
They'll either Faith deny, or Church divide, 
Betray rapacity, luft, rage, or pride. 

They who attend the truths I now inftil, 
And by fincere obedience them fulfil, 
Are like to the wife man, who, 'gainft the mock 
Of tempeft, built his houfe upon a rock : 
The faint all ftorms which hell can raife, defies, 
And on the Rock of Ages firm relies. 
But all who hear, and faving truths withftand, 
Are like the fool who built upon the fand, 
One blaft threw down the fabric to the ground, 
Thus ghoftly fools their future blifs confound. 



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All praife to Jefus, Who His gracious law- 
Taught to His fubjects with endearing awe. 
Glory to Jefus was the mountain's clofe, 
Who would for laws beatitudes impofe. 



SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 

Love taught by yefus. 

That ye being rooted and grounded in love, may be 
able to comprehend with all faints what is the breadth, and 
length, and depth, and height 5 and to know the love of 
Chrift, which pafTeth knowledge. — Eph. iii. 17-19. 

THOSE days I often call to mind, 
When God Himfelf in fleih enfhrined ; 
Had I beheld the radiant ftar, 
Which eaftern fages led from far ; 
Or had the news fome angel told, 
Sent to the fwains who watch'd their fold ; 

God-man had fo enflamed my foul, 
That had 1 dwell'd at either pole, 
Entrench'd in ice, immured in fnow, 
With boifterous winds tofs'd to and fro, 
While from that fphere the fun took flight, 
And left me in long difmal night : 




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O'er rocks of fnow I would have trod, 
Walk'd o'er the frozen fea unfhod, 
The force of winds impetuous ftemm'd, 
Fiends ranging in the dark contemn'd, 
All rigours of the cold fuftain'd, 
Till of God-man the fight I gain'd. 

Soon as I near God-man had drawn, 
I mould have known Him at firft dawn, 
Benignities would from Him glide, 
Which 'twas impoffible to hide, 
The faireft, fweeteft of mankind, 
In whom all lovely graces mined. 

I fome endearments mould have fpied, 
Which angels might not have defcried, 
Of His philanthropy fome beams 
On finners flowing in full ftreams, 
And falling proftrate on the ground, 
Adored, loved, joy'd with awe profound. 

I mould have been all eye, all ear, 
My Saviour to behold and hear, 
I mould have watch'd till I difcern'd, 
That His foft pity on me yearn'd ; 
That yearning would have been the fign, 
To break my mind to Love Divine. 

My Lord, my God, I mould have cried, 
To Heaven the finner's only Guide, 



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AFTER TRINITY. 



O for Thy Infinite Love's fake, 
Tell me the way my foul muft take, 
Moft happy to abide with Thee, 
In manfions of eternity ! 

Ah me ! forth from the fire of lie, 
Abroad deluding fpirits fly, 
Difguifed like angels of pure light, 
To fafcinate and cheat my fight, 
A thoufand different ways they fhew, 
All leading to eternal woe. 

I live in dread, left I to blifs 
The fingle narrow way mould mifs ; 
But confcience here my fpirit check'd, 
And bid me on myfelf reflect, 
You daily may God-man behold, 
And to His Love your mind unfold. 

Dear Jems' Gofpel would you heed, 
You the fame queftion there may read, 
With His infallible reply, 
On that you fafely may rely, 
The reprimand I juft confefs'd, 
And read with care the volume blefs'd. 

Jefus there taught the fcribe that Love, 
Love only gain'd the joys above, 
Love the command, primeval, great, 
Connatural, tranfporting, fweet, 




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SIXTEENTH SUNDAY 



On which all law divine depends, 
Which all our holocaufts tranfcends. 



When, that my way was Love, I heard, 
A duty which my foul endear'd, 
Benignly condefcending, mild, 
The talk not of a flave, but child, 
I humble thanks to Jefus paid, 
Who Love the way to glory made. 

My way to Heaven when taught me clear, 
I thither vow'd my bark to fleer, 
But native lufts like adverfe wind, 
To fenfual joys blew back my mind, 
I long indulged them to prevail, 
And wanted now a profperous gale. 

All winds which on the ocean blow, 
Out of God's airy treafure flow, 
And in His Sacred Book is ftore 
Of aids to reach the heavenly more, 
Repentance I there learn'd had force, 
To turn and keep my heaven-ward courfe. 

My Jefus' Love was in my eye, 
Who to excite my love would die : 
I grieved I mould His Love offend, 
Yet joy'd He would my blifs intend, 
That grief, that joy with gentle ftroke, 
My heart, till then reluctant, broke. 



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AFTER TRINITY. 



From that dear ftroke my foul I felt, 
Into a foft contrition melt, 
Grief for my fins my eyelids drain'd, 
Joy for a Saviour me fuftain'd, 
I thus fupported while diftrefs'd, 
To Jefus difembogued my breaft. 

Whene'er I chill'd, fank, wander'd, tired, 
The Sacred Book zeal re-infpired, 
My faith kept Jefus in my view, 
His voice in every line I knew, 
He ftep by ftep my fpirit led, 
And fmooth'd the ways which I mould tread. 



SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 



Unity. 

One Lord, one faith, one baptifm, one God and 
Father of all. — Epk. iv. 5, 6. 



O 



FT has my mind took flight, 
For profpe&s of Love infinite 
It forward ftill afpired, 
It moft agreeably was tired ; 
And when it came to port, 
I fent it back to make a frefh effort. 




SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY 



In every flight it made, 

Soon as it could its freight unlade ; 

This always back it brought, 
Which I keep treafured in my thought j 

One God I muft adore, 
And 'tis impoflible there mould be more. 

Mind daily faw on high, 
Bright minifterial angels fly ; 

Among them, one of thofe 
Who wait on children, out it chofe, 

Who ftill God's Face behold, 
And fitteft feem'd the Godhead to unfold. 

You, faid my Mind, have fight 
Of God in beatific light ; 
Sits He not there alone, 
Or had He partner in His throne ? 
Alone, He made reply, 
There is no partner in infinity. 

Were Godhead more than one, 
It up to numberlefs might run ; 

Fecundity divine, 
'Tis Godhead only could confine ; 
And wherefoe'er it ftops, 
All Godhead ceafes as to bounds it drops. 

Were Infinites but two, 

And we to pay them worfhip due ; 




rmmmnu 



AFTER TRINITT. 



We neither could revere, 
And neither boundlefs would appear; 
Would greater be combined, 
We lefs and more in infinite fhould find. 

Embroilments ne'er would ceafe, 
Should rivals fhare the realm of peace ; 

We fiercer war fhould wage, 
Than that againft apoftate rage ; 

Gods then would fight maintain, 
If more omnipotents than one fhould reign. 

We on one God depend, 

He our Beginning is and End ; 

Beyond His boundlefs ray 
We happy fpirits cannot ftray ; 
In One we acquiefce, 
And all in the One Infinite pofTefs. 

Though near the Throne we wait, 
We cannot what we fee relate ; 

All the angelic choir 
Adorable I AM admire; 

While we compofe new ftrains, 
God pure indivifible One remains. 

Our loves on God diffufe, 
His attributes for hymn we choofe ; 
Though One, they various feem, 
We vary, as our views, our Theme ; 





293 



SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY 



Men ruder guefles make, 
When views from their compounded felves they 
take. 

One God, faid he, one Love 
There is among the blefs'd above ; 

High praife to God he fang, 
Juft as from me he fprang ; 

And then began the hymn 
Which angels fing, when the expanfe they fwim. 

Thou, Lord, didft Thy great Name 
With Thy dread Unity proclaim, 

When of foul, might, and mind, 
Love undivided was enjoin'd ; 

Love ever One mould be, 
Since out of God it naught can lovely fee. 

The blefs'd for hymn will none 

But Thee, Great One, for fubject own ; 

And fince to Thee below 
We like peculiar offerings owe, 
I proftrate at Thy Feet, 
Acceptance of my humble fong entreat. 

Praife to great One, may I 
In love be ever unity ; 

Thou uncompounded art, 
From fenfual joys Lord, cleanfe my heart ; 

May it abide unmix'd, 
On Love Triune indivifibly fix'd. 




294 



AFTER TRINITT. 



EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 

Thou fhalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, 
and with all thy foul, and with all thy mind. 

St. Matthew xxii. 37. 

FALSE world, I'll you no more endure, 
Vexatious, tranfient, vain, impure, 
Too long your friendfhip feign'd 
My ghoftly vitals baned ; 
You nothing are but univerfal fnare, 
I 'gainft your charms antipathy declare. 

My heart to God would fain reflow, 
But I am ftill detain'd below, 
Ah ! is there no retreat, 
Secure from worldly cheat ? 
If fuch a one dear guardian you can find, 
O thither me tranfport, there lodge my mind ! 

Your wings between us two divide, 
Each through expanfe on one mail glide : 
The Doves, their wings to fpare, 
On one can fwim in air ; 
Our unwing'd arms fhall round each other lie, 
And our wing'd arms fhall row us in the fky. 

Long we may range, our wings may tire, 

And yet not compafs my defire ; 
While God here wills my ftay, 
His grace my powers fhall fway : 



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EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY 



Grace in a peft-houfe can my health enfure, 
Or fick with noxious fleams, my fpirit cure. 

Jefus, whofe mind on Heaven was fix'd, 
Lived with terreftrial joys unmix'd, 
He ftill to Heaven afpired, 
To folitudes retired, 
He in the world, lived from the world ; His aim 
Was to do good, and worldly minds reclaim. 

Thus Chrift-like charity and prayer 
Should all my vacant minutes mare, 
My bufy part I'll fpend, 
My calling to attend, 
When I the poor in my excurfions meet, 
They Jefus' brethren are, I'll warn their feet. 

With ghoftly alms, I'll fouls relieve, 
Inftru£t, reprove, exhort, retrieve, 
With God my heart mail clofe, 
And when I die, repofe : 
Should any worldly taint to me adhere, 
I'll warn it off in oratory tear. 

Watch, reading, meditation, prayer, 
And hymn, of faints the employments are ; 
While thefe we mind, 
Hell can no entrance find : 
O wondrous goodnefs of the law divine, 
Prefervative and duty to combine ! 





296 



AFTER TRINITY. 



NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 



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Having the underftanding darkened, being alienated 
from the life of God through the ignorance that is in 
them, becaufe of the blindnefs of their heart. —Eph. iv. 18. 

OF all the monfters which appear'd, 
Since God the world from nothing rear'd, 
None mould fo odious be efteem'd, 
As finners by God-man redeem'd, 
Who outrage for that boundlefs Love repay, 
To make themfelves to hellifh fpite a prey. 

E'er fince God-man for finners bled, 

God His dear Love difFufedly fhed, 

Of all He the falvation wills, 

Due grace He into all inftils ; 
God reconciled to finners, Love became 
Of Deity atoned, the proper name. 

God who of Love the title chofe, 

Averfion to our ruin fhews, 

Love pities, and complains, and grieves 

Whene'er repulfes He receives, 
A thoufand folemn proteftations makes, 
He no delight in our damnation takes. 

Love long for our converfion ftays, 
Gently upbraiding our delays ; 




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NINETEENTH SUNDAY 



Love for each foul which torment feels, 
Can make unnumber'd juft appeals : 
Ah ! What can Love do more to refcue One, 
Who Love contemn'd, and chofe to be undone ? 

Love, when provoked, to wrath is flow, 

Unwilling to inflict a woe ; 

His anger He'll long time fufpend, 

To try if finners will amend : 
God even in wrath is of a temper meek, 
Remembering He is Love, and man is weak. 

Love, when a daring guilt provokes, 
Shortens, and moderates His ftrokes, 
On this fide of eternal pains, 
God's wrath allays of Love retains j 
And when they harden'd down to Tophet fall, 
Love wifhes they had hearken'd to His call. 

Say all lapfed Adam's offfpring, fay, 
When love of fin to heart you lay ; 
When men with devils you compare, 
Who have in dying God no mare : 
Say, if your ftretch'd imaginations find 
More horrid monfters than foul humankind. 

Dark intellect, perverted will, 

All powers, all paffions warp'd to ill ; 

The likenefs diabolic placed, 

Where God's bright image was effaced : 




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AFTER TRINITY. 



A hell-fired tongue, a heart of fenfelefs ftone, 
Are the foul fhapes by which the monfter's known. 

I fuch a monfter, Lord, remain'd, 

While I 'gainft Love curfed war maintain'd ; 

Thy Love, Lord, firft propofed a peace, 

Firft made hoftilities to ceafe : 
Thy pure free Love created me anew, 
Till from a monfter I a lover grew. 

Mind was enlighten'd, paflions tamed, 
My powers rehallow'd, will inflamed ; 
I felt Thy image re-imprefs'd, 
Well-govern'd tongue, a tender breaft : 
I ever will that Love immenfe adore, 
Who when I monfter turn'd, would me reftore. 



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TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 

Speaking to yourfelves in pfalms and hymns and fpiritual 
fongs, finging and making melody in your heart to the 
Lord. — Eph. v. 19. 

OF all the gifts which Heaven defign'd 
To hallow and adorn the mind, 
Sweet poetry has fuffer'd moft 
By bards from the infernal coaft, 
Who in her beauteous vifage fpit 
The putrefaction of their wit. 




299 




TWENTIETH SUNDAY 



The gift of God, by God infufed, 
Should be for God, the Donor, ufed ; 
From God primevally it ftreams, 
And fhould in hymn reflect His beams, 
And every fong it flrives to fing 
Should have the flavour of its Spring. 

Great God, the Altar to fupply, 
Bright fire commanded from on high, 
The heavenly fire Jehovah fent, 
Was only on His Altar fpent, 
And all poetic heaven-born flame 
Should be devoted to God's Name. 

Great God intends His gifts divine 
Should have an influential fhine, 
God is of love and joy the Source, 
His gifts fhould have a God-like force, 
And gifted poets fhould excite 
Pure heavenly love, and pure delight. 

When bards againft great God confpire, 
And kindle fervour at ftrange fire, 
When they are warm'd by Pagan heat, 
Their borrow'd phrafes they repeat, 
Mean and inglorious aims purfue, 
And find the Pagans them outdo. 



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Would they to God devote their wit, 
And borrow lights from Sacred Writ, 




300 



AFTER TRINITY. 



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Their fancies nobler tracks would find, 
With brighter thoughts enrich the mind, 
They then would take fupernai flights, 
Verfe would retrieve its native heights. 

Souls raifed to a celeftial ftand 
With freedom might their powers expand, 
Of things divine they would difcourfe, 
From the eternal boundlefs Source, 
The fubjects would their fouls fublime, 
And keep wit ever in its prime. 

True poets are a faint-like race, 
And with the gift receive the grace, 
Of their own fongs the virtue feel, 
Warm'd with an heaven-enkindled zeal, 
And warm'd itfelf, a facred Mufe 
Like ardours may with eafe infufe. 

A poet fhould have heat and light, 
Of all things a capacious fight, 
Serenity with rapture join'd, 
Aims noble, eloquence refined, 
Strong, modelt, fweetnefs to endear, 
Expreflions lively, lofty, clear. 

High thoughts, an admirable theme, 
For decency a chafte efteem, 
Of harmony a perfect fkill, 
Juft characters of good and ill, 



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TWENTIETH SUNDAY 



And all concenter'd fouls to pleafe, 
Inftru6t, inflame, melt, calm, and eafe. 

Such graces can nowhere be found, 

Unlefs on confecrated ground, 

Where poets fix on God their thought, 

By facred infpiration taught, 

Where each poetic votary fings 

In heavenly ftrains of heavenly things. 

Prophets and poets were of old 
Made of the fame celeftial mould, 
O that the prophets now would ftrive 
That hallow'd union to revive, 
They'd facred poetry afTert, 
And the degenerate bards convert. 

Bards, who will ftruggle ere they quit 
Their bold and falfe pretence to wit, 
They'll for a while make hideous cries 
At priefts, who them would exorcife, 
But Chriftian poets would gain ground, 
And Antichriftians' ravings drown'd. 



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TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 

Brethren, be ftrong in the Lord, and in the power 
of His might. — Eph. vi. 10. 

THRICE happy man whofe foul is ftaid 
On God's unfeen, but certain aid, 
Beneath His fhadow he'll retreat, 
And never fear afflicting heat. 

I am by fweet experience fure 
My God a Refuge is fecure, 
He is my Fort againft my foes, 
In God I truft in all my woes. 

My foul, He'll fave thee from the fnares 
Which hellifh fpite for thee prepares \ 
When noifome peftilence fhall reign, 
Infection He'll from thee reflrain. 

His gracious Plumes fhall thee enclofe, 
Thy truft fhall in His Wings repofe, 
His truth fhall arms defenfive yield, 
It fhall thy buckler be and fhield. 

Thou fhalt no terrors fear by night, 
No arrows which are fhot in light, 
No dangers which in darknefs rife, 
Or at noon-day fhall thee furprife. 




Mill (I \\Y\\S 



303 



TWENTY-FIRST SUNDJT 



Amidft ten thoufand round thee flain 
Thou unaflaulted malt remain, 
And fee, when finners outrage God 
The juft dire vengeance of His rod. 

My foul, thou doft on God rely, 
And haft thy fhelter from on high, 
No evil mall approach thy bed, 
Thou no judicial plague fhalt dread. 

God will command on angels lay 
To guide and guard thee night and day, 
They'll thee uphold in tender arm, 
And no rude ftone thy foot mail harm. 

Thou fhalt on fierceft lions tread, 
Shalt bruife the afp's and dragon's head, 
With the old ferpent doom'd to hell 
Their venom damp, their fury quell. 



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Hear what God utters from above, — 
Since he has fix'd on Me his love, 
Has known, and has obey'd My Will, 
I'll place him out of reach of ill. 



Whene'er he prays his prayers I'll hear, 
I'll in his trouble ftill be near, 
Not only him from guilt redeem, 
But raife him in the world's efteem. 




304. 



M 



AFTER TRINITY. 



He long fhall happy live below, 
My bleflings here fhall overflow, 
When languifhing for Heaven he dies, 
Eternal joys fhall glad his eyes. 



TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Prayer for Love % 

And this I pray, that your love may abound. — Phil. i. 9, 

MY prayers for Love to Heaven dire&ly fly, 
The God of Love cannot thefe prayers 
deny, 
The God of Love thefe prayers infpires, 
He firft the incenfe fires, 
Which, as it heavenward burns, 
What Love fent down, to Love returns, 
God is both Lovelinefs and Love immenfe, 
And loves to be re-loved with love the moftintenfe. 

All-gracious God, I cried, make no delay, 
Vouchfafe me one inflammatory ray; 
And ftraight a ray of Love Divine 
Deign'd on my foul to fhine, 
I knew from whence it came, 
It kindled in me heavenly flame, 
I felt it gently over-fhine my breaft, 
But its fweet mighty force can never be exprefs'd. 




305 



R R 



TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY 



WIT 
IT 



Down on my fpirit flew the fpotlefs Dove, 
Pluck'd from His fplendid Wings a beam of Love, 
My heart with that bright beam He fill'd, 
Which heavenly Love inftill'd ; 
My heart was at one ftroke 
Of that foft beam in pieces broke, 
I long for its obduratenefs was grieved, 
And wonder'd how the rock could by a beam be 
cleaved. 

When His all-glorious Wings the Spirit fpread 
O'er chaos, and enlivening influence fhed, 
As He defcended His bright rays 
Made ante-folar days, 
Light on the mafs appear'd 
Ere into creature it was rear'd ; 
Thus on my heart when down the Spirit flew, 
Light heavenly on it fell ere 'twas a creature new. 

When Jefus to the man born blind gave eyes, 
He all the creatures faw with ftrange furprife ; 
Thus Love's diffufed enamouring light 
Gave an amazing fight 
I clearly faw my heart, 
Pry'd nicely into every part, 
Concupifcence had made it fo impure, 
Unfpotted Love Divine could not its fight endure. 

Sin now in a true light itfelf difplays, 
And diabolic uglinefs betrays ', 



i 




306 



AFTER TRINITY. 



I have lived till now ftark blind, 
Stranger to my own mind, 

Ah, I too late begin 
To fee the finfulnefs of fin, 
My deepeft wound is that I mould mifTpend 
My ftrength fo much, fo long, Love boundlefs 
to offend. 

When I confront my fins, and Love Divine, 
The infinite free Love of Godhead Trine 
Has fuch fweet force, that it endears 
The bittereft of my tears, 
Hearts humble and contrite 
In lamentations feel delight, 
Each tear alleviates their afflicting moan, 
And glad advances makes, Love outraged to atone. 

All worldly lufts I from my heart expell'd, 
And the loved fin which furioufly rebell'd, 

1 then implored Love's gracious might, 

Love ardent to excite ; 
Soon as my heart was clear'd, 
Love in His temple re-appear'd, 
MybrokenheartLovefiH'd,andLovere-clofed ; 
And in His temple there Love Infinite repofed. 




307 



TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY 



TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 

Heaven Firji Sought. 

For our converfation is in Heaven ; from whence alfo 
we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jefus Chrift. — Phil. iii. 



&>> 



WHETHER I will or no, I find 
Myfelf to happinefs inclined, 
What happinefs I then defire, 
I next inquire. 

I all my inclinations weigh, 
What would content them, bid them fay, 
But fee they no enough will own, 
Infatiate grown. 

Pride, luft, and avarice ftill would crave, 
Should they ten worlds for portion have, 
Intoxicated though with ftore, 
They'd thirft for more. 

I then confult each learned feci:, 
Who authors numberlefs collecT:, 
They who all fciences purfue 
Enough ne'er knew. 

In Solomon, of all mankind, 

Wealth, honour, pleafure, wifdom join'd ; 




30ft 



AFTER TRIN1TT. 



He felt the quinteflential heights 
Of all delights. 

He ftrove with an unbridled will 
Of fenfual joys to take his fill, 
Yet to his forrow, found his gain 
Vexatious, vain. 

Our God in that great King defign'd, 
To unbeguile each worldly mind, 
And teach that higheft joys below 
Expire in woe. 

There's no true fatisfa£Hon here, 
'Tis only in the Heavenly fphere ; 
Souls who to perfect joys afpire 
Quite lofe defire. 

In death enough faints mail not have, 
Though flem lies fenfelefs in the grave ; 
And he their fpirits mall difmifs 
To enter blifs. 

Enough no feparate fouls obtain, 
Till bodies glorified they gain, 
They'll live in languishing defire 
For blifs entire. 

Jefus, to fix our choice aright, 
Bids us firft feek the realm of light, 
And to His righteoufnefs Divine 
To co-incline. 





3<>9 




TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY 






None but the righteous are difpofed 
For joys in endlefs light difclofed j 
Polluted fouls the region pure 
Would not endure. 

Left the vain world mould us allure, 
He deigns Heaven's feekers to affure, 
That God their portion juft decreed 
For earthly need. 

Thus love unbounded overflows, 
Both Heaven and earth on faints bellows : 
What can the Infinite give more, 
Or man implore ? 

If Heaven ye worldlings firft would choofe 
And not enjoy this world, but ufe ; 
'Twill pleafe you to fubjecSHon brought, 
More than firft fought. 

My Jefus, had I fought Thee firft, 
I ne'er had felt afflicting thirft ; 
But this vain world from heavenly view 
My fpirit drew. 

Lord, to that fovereign blifs I tend, 
Which all-fufficient has no end, 
Perfections which belong to none 
But Thee alone. 

Meanwhile I on my God rely, 
The wants He wills me to fupply ; 




310 



AFTER TRIM ITT. 



My juft enough He only knows, 
For want or woes. 

In God's enough my foul mall reft, 
Though here I am but partly blefs'd, 
Saints of the Crofs have ftill alloy 
To temper joy. 

Enough we have for earthly need, 
Heaven's joys our foretaftes far exceed, 
Enough, my God, is where Thou art, 
There lodge, my heart. 



Ml 



yniiEi 






TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER 
TRINITY. 

Heaven, 

For the hope which is laid up for you in Heaven. 
Colojfians i. 5. 

NOR eye, ear, thought, can take the height 
To which my fong is taking flight, 
Yet raifed an humble wing, 
My guefs of Heaven I'll fing; 
'Tis Love's reward, and Love is fired 
By guefling at the blifs defired. 

Guefs then at faints' eternal lot, 
By due confidering what 'tis not, 



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311 



TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY 



No mifery, want, or care, 
No death, no darknefs there, 

No troubles, ftorms, fighs, groans, or tears, 

No injury, pains, ficknefs, fears. 

There fouls no disappointments meet, 
No vanities the choice to cheat, 

Nothing that can defile, 

No hypocrite, no guile, 
No need of prayer, or what implies, 
Or abfence or vacuities. 

There no ill confcience gnaws the breaft, 
No tempters holy fouls infeft, 

No curfe, no weeds, no toil, 

No errors to embroil. 
No luftful thought can enter in, 
Or poffibility of fin. 

From all vexations here below, 
The region of fin, death and woe. 

Song, to your utmoft ftrefs 

Now elevate your guefs, 
Sing what in facred lines you read, 
Of blifs for pious fouls decreed. 

They dwell in pure ecftatic light, 
Of God Triune have blifsful fight, 

Of Fontal Love, who gave 

God Filial man to fave ; 






^ 




312 






Vl ! 



AFTER TRINITY. 



Of Jefus' Love, who death fuftain'd, 
By which the faints their glory gain'd - 9 

Of Love eo-breathed the boundlefs Source, 
From which faints' love derives its force, 

Within the gracious fhine 

Of the co-glorious Trine, 
The faints in happy manfions reft, 
Of all they can defire poflefs'd. 

Saints' bodies there the fun outvie 
Temper'd to feel the joys on high, 

Bright body and pure mind, 

In rapture unconfined, 
Capacities expand, till fit 
Deluge of Godhead to admit. 

In all-fumcient blifs they joy, 

Duration in fweet hymns employ - y 
With angels they converfe, 
Their loves and joys rehearfe, 

Tafte fuavities of Love immenfe, 

Of all delights full confluence. 

With God's own Son they reign co-heirs, 
Each faint with Him in glory fhares, 

Like Godhead, happy, pure, 

Againft all change fecure, 
In boundlefs joys they fabbatife, 
Which Love Triune will eternife. 



i*-*^ 




313 




? ^ 







TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY 



By boundlefs Love, for fouls refined, 
Are joys unfpeakable defign'd, 
When I thofe joys imbibe, 
I then may them defcribe ; 
Joys to full pitch will hymn excite, 
When from fenfation I endite. 



TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 

Jefus our King. 

Behold, the days come, faith the Lord, that I will raife 
unto David a righteous Branch, and a King mall reign and 
profper, and mail execute judgment and juftice in the 
earth. — Jeremiah xxiii. 5. 

BLESS'D Spirit, aid me, while I fing 
Our humble, our Almighty King. 
Curfed pride man nrft debafed, 
And from fweet Eden chafed ; 
Man proudly likenefs to great God defired, 
And loft all God-like grace which God infpired. 

Man all to God as creature owes, 
And his entire dependence knows, 
As finner he's God's hate, 
And muft his doom await. 
Sinner and proud a contradiction feems, 
Yet in fall'n man concenter both extremes. 

Jefus the fovereign fin to quell, 
Which men and devils fank to hell, 



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AFTER TRINirr. 



Lowly and meek appear'd, 
To God the more endear'd, 
He taught how fweet humility and height 
In fouls would co-harmonioufly unite. 

God fent an angel to proclaim 

Both His Conception and His Name, 

Yet a poor Maid He chofe, 

Whofe womb fhould Him enclofe ; 

Our new-born King in a poor manger lay, 

Which a bright ftar ennobled with its ray. 

God-man, who deign'd to live below, 
Endured all the infults of woe, 
Reje&ed, fcorn'd, reviled, 
And diabolic ftyled ; 
Yet all the while wrought miracles divine, 
And in the humble man made Godhead fhine. 

When on the Crofs He tortured hung, 
Blafphemed by every hell-fired tongue, 
Twelve legions were at hand, 
To fly at His command ; 
The king of terrors, and the hellifh hoft, 
Fled trembling foon as He gave up the Ghoft. 

God-man would in His earthly ftate, 
By condefcenfions, pride abate ; 

The King adored on high, 

Would for His rebels die ; 




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TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY 



And now enthroned, benignly intercedes 
For full fupplies to humble votaries' needs. 

Defcending from His glorious fphere, 
Our humble King began to rear 
His mediatory realm, 
And fet Himfelf at helm ; 
His realm antarctic to all worldly aim, 
Where none but humble fouls can entrance claim. 



Pure felf-denial, and the Crofs, 
To count all things for Jefus lofs, 
Of faints the badges are, 
Who live His royal care ; 
They in Heaven inchoate, have foretaftes Aveet 
Of joys above, which in full confluence meet. 

God-man to Jews His realm reftrain'd, 

Till He His heavenly Throne regain'd 5 

Now o'er the world He reigns, 

Allots rewards and pains, 

Gives laws, fupport, deliverance, Ihelter, aid, 

To humble fouls by His kind fcepter fway'd. 



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The Lamb of God is King of kings, 
He Death difarms of all its ftings : 
And when a tyrant raves, 
The Lamb, the Shepherd faves ; 
Hethefeven-headed,ten-horn'd beaft o'erpowers, 
Who all the world, who worfhip him, devours. 



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AFTER TRINITT. 



Angelic hofts the Lamb obey, 
Kings at His feet their fceptres lay, 
The Lamb all Tophet awes, 
Souls refcues from its jaws ; 
When men, when devils, the Lamb's realm aflail, 
Our mighty King, the Lamb, will ftill prevail. 

Blefs'd faints, whom the meek Lamb of God 
Rules with a gracious, gentle rod ; 
I'll on the Lamb repofe, 
Follow where'er He goes ', 
And when I flip, to the mild Lamb addrefs, 
Ready to pardon, foon as I confefs. 

Praife to the Lamb enthroned, whofe Love 
Sent in His ftead the heavenly Dove ; 
O bleffing paft compare, 
In which the humble fhare ! 
They in fweet reft, joy, peace fecure abide, 
Who have the Lamb their King, the Dove their 
Guide. 

But when the Lamb His realm lays down, 
And God Triune refumes the Crown, 
When faints abfolved from fin, 
Eternal joys begin ; 
May I with them adore the Godhead Trine, 
And have my fill of all that is divine. 




ST. ANDREW'S DAY. 

BLESS'D Andrew ! in your call we trace 
The conduct of preventing grace, 
While we recount the happy fteps you trod, 
To be the favourite of Incarnate God. 

You to hard toil and care inured, 

A common nfher's life endured, 
On Galilean waves, you night and day, 
Expofed to cold, heat, ftorm and billows, lay. 

Long had the Galilean name 

Been reprobated and infame, 
Till God convinced the Jews' contemptuous eyes, 
That good might out of Galilee arife. 

Heaven which God-man's fore-runner fent 

To move Judaea to repent, 
With gracious force meek Andrew's heart dif- 

pofed 
To tafte the truths God's harbinger difclofed. 

The awful tidings reach'd his ear, 
Of God's blefs'd kingdom drawing near, 
And he ambitious grew himfelf to mould, 
That he might in that kingdom be enroll'd. 

His fins he then with care furvey'd, 
And every aggravation weigh'd, 



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Oft with his tears he ballafted his boat, 
As on Tiberian lake it was afloat. 

While for his fins his heart would bleed, 

He of a Saviour faw the need ; 
And God, Who always tenders hearts contrite, 
Took care to blefs him with his Saviour's fight. 

One day, which Jefus well fore-knew, 
He pafs'd in John and Andrew's view, 
And John cried out, Behold the Lamb of God, 
Who finners faves from Heaven's avenging rod ! 

Meek Andrew, and his humble mate, 
Wont on the Baptift's lips to wait, 
Joy'd at that dear difcovery, grew intent 
To follow Jefus wherefoe'er He went. 

Sweet longings in their hearts they felt, 
To fee the fpot where Jefus dwelt, 
And He vouchfafed the votaries to invite 
To lodge in His blefs'd manfion all the night. 

O favour not to be exprefs'd, 

To be of God Incarnate gueft ! 
Their hearts were at each word with rapture fill'd, 
While from His Lips falvific truths diftill'd. 

Meek Andrew, by loved Jefus fired, 

To copy Jefus' love afpired, 
His brother Peter out with zeal he fought, 
And to obtain like blifs to Jefus brought. 




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ST. ANDREW'S DAT. 



Both then returning to their trade, 
Heaven more their care than fifhing made ; 
Till Jefus gave them apoftolic call, 
And both to follow Jefus, left their all. 

From toil marine good Andrew freed, 

To fifh for human fouls decreed, 
Vaft Scythia was his lot, where 'twas his aim, 
Men fierce as fiends they worfhipp'd, to reclaim. 

Pains, labours, perfecutions dire, 
All that could fright, torment, or tire, 
He meekly bore from Pagan and from Jew, 
As evangelic nets he o'er them threw. 

In fpite of hell., he mighty fhoals 
Caught in his net of Scythian fouls ; 
O'er Grecia next, to pride and idols bred, 
His ghoftly nets with like fuccefs he fpread. 

He truth, with heavenly vigour taught, 
Confirm'd by miracles he wrought ; 
Ne'er ceafed his labours, till with age opprefs'd, 
God faw it time to give him endlefs reft. 

He traverfed the Achaian land, 

At Patras made a ghoftly ftand, 
Whofe altars yearly reek'd with virgin gore, 
When they convened Diana to adore. 

Their idol-temples down he caft, 
Forced oracles to breathe their laft -, 



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ST. ANDREWS DAT. 



Till Pagan zeal, with hellifh fury fumed, 
The faint to die upon a faltire doom'd. 

With cords his hands and feet they tied, 
That long he might in pain abide ; 
Unnail'd he ftrength retain'd, and from their fpite 
Advantage took to fried celeftial light. 

Two days he on the crofs, aloud 
Preach'd Jefus to the liftening crowd, 
Converfions numerous made, while thus he hung, 
Till he in tranfport his own requiem fung. 

All praife to God, who lifts on high 
Souls who are lowlieft in His eye ; 
Who humble Andrew for great things defign'd, 
And firft to penitential tears inclined. 

From penitent to faint he rofe ; 

From faint he was apoftle chofe; 
The martyr's crown he, when apoftle, gain'd, 
And ever fince with bleffed Jefus reign'd. 

My God, may I with faith behold 
The Lamb of God for finners fold ; 
In Holy writ, hymn, meditation, prayer, 
And Eucharift may I His Prefence fhare. 

When Jefus calls, with ready mind 
May I leave all the world behind ; 
May I, like Andrew, never once look back, 
But forward tread in my Redeemer's track ! 



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321 



T T 



ST. THOMAS 



May I with Jefus fix my ftay, 
And languim when He goes away ; 
Till, Andrew-like, I others mail enflame, 
Prepared to die a martyr for His Name. 



ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE. 

WHEN Jefus notice gave 
Of Lazarus fleeping in his grave, 
And that to wake His friend, 
His courfe mould towards Judaea tend, 
His votaries to diffuade Him ftraight combined, 
Since there the Jews His ftoning had defign'd. 

Blefs'd Thomas, who well knew 
The rage of the malicious Jew, 

Who in like fate refolved 
His votaries all mould be involved ; 
To run the danger with his Lord was bent, 
Rather than hinder His benign intent. 

This was his brave reply, 
O let us go and with Him die ; 

Him we for Mailer chofe, 
And of our lives let Him difpofe ; 
The radiant gates of Heaven are open fet, 
Thrice happy thofe that early entrance get. 



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THE APOSTLE. 






Blefs'd faint, by Jefus taught 
Of things below to value nought, 

With love, which cafts out fear, 
To your Redeemer to adhere ; 
May I, like you, the world and life defpife, 
%? And live to God perpetual facrifice ! 

Our Lord, with melting heart, 
Had warn'd His friends He mould depart 

To fontal God, and they 
Were told, the Crofs mould be the way ; 
That when He made His re-afcent, He there 
Celeftial manfions would for them prepare. 

Blefs'd Thomas, deeply grieved 
Of Jefus' fight to be bereaved, 

Begg'd, that the way He went, 
He would more clearly reprefent ; 
He who before with Jefus would have died, 
Would tread all paths where Jefus was the Guide. 

Our Lord was pleafed to fay, 
I am the Truth, the Life, the Way, 

None can accepted be 
With my dread Father, but by Me : 
Me, Whom you know with God Paternal One, 
The Father mines in His co-equal Son. 

May I, dear Lord, refign 
My faith to all Thy Truth Divine ; 




323 




ST. THOMAS 



Make it my daily aim, 
Conform to Thine, my life to frame, 
That I, with Thomas, may that realm obtain, 
Where faints with Thee in manfions bright 
remain. 

When Jefus death fubdued, 
And His defponding friends review'd, 

The faint, then abfent, heard 
That Jefus had to them appear'd, 
Yet doubted of the thing he moft defired, 
And free fenfation for his faith required. 

Our Lord faw joy devout 
At the good news had caufed the doubt, 

And His next view contrived, 
When doubting Thomas was arrived. 
He Who our human frailties deign'd to bear, 
Of fouls fincere, though weak, has tender care. 

Our Lord the Saint enjoin'd 
By fenfe to fatisfy his mind ; 

With trembling he drew nigh, 
Into his Saviour's Wounds to pry, 
Search'd His gored Hands, and Feet, and gaping 

Side, 
And loud, my Lord, my God ! in rapture cried. 

My Lord, Thy Love be praifed, 
Thou by the doubt which Thomas raifed, 
Our doubting didft prevent, 




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THE APOSTLE. 



We without fight give firm aflent, 
With joy Thy benediction we receive, 
They bleffed are, who fee not, yet believe. 

All glory be to Thee, 
Thou Who didft heretics forefee, 
With lying ghofts would ftrive 
Thee of Thy Godhead to deprive ; 
Didft fix fuch faith on Thy Apoftle's breaft, 
Which fhould to death Thy Deity atteft. 

That faving-truth his zeal 
To Gentiles labour'd to reveal ; 
Round the vaft Parthian coaft 
He vanquifh'd the infernal hoft ; 
Preach'd /Ethiopia and all India o'er, 
And made them Jefus, his Lord God, adore. 

The idols then enraged, 
Their votaries in his fall engaged ; 

They on a crofs decreed 
He, Jefus-like, fhould hang and bleed ; 
And as he hung, they pierced him with afpear, 
And gave his foul to blifs a pafiage clear. 

When martyr's crown he gain'd, 
Thy Love, my Lord, his foul fuftain'd ; 

Thou 'midft his dying woe, 
His Lord, his God, Thyfelf didft fhew; 
He Who, blefs'd Saint, was Lord and God to thee, 
My Lord, my God, O may He ever be. 




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CONVERSION OF 



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CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL. 

OF all the conquefts which Thy grace 
E'er gain'd, dear Lord, o'er Adam's race, 
I none more glorious can recall 

Than that of Saul. 

He, reeking with biefs'd Stephen's gore, 
Had ftill a raging thirft for more ; 
His very temper feem'd on fire 

With hell-bred ire. 

That ire, by Pharifaic pride, 
Which cenfured, hated, fcorned, decried, 
All but themfelves, more fiercely burn'd, 
To madnefs turn'd. 



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He threaten'd, grieved, imprifon'd, bound, 
And doom'd to death all faints he found, 
Compell'd the timorous to blafpheme, 
With rage extreme. 

No tyrant 'gainft the Chriftian name, 
Could kindle more devouring flame -, 
He evangelic truth denied, 

And Chrift defied. 

Sent by the priefts to bring the faints 
To Salem from remote reftraints ; 



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ST. PAUL. 



He ftrove to execute with fpeed 

The ills decreed. 

But gracious God ftopp'd his career ; 
Light than meridian beams more clear, 
Round him, and all who with him join'd, 
At mid-day mined. 

The light, which dazzled all their eyes, 
Struck them to earth, with ftrange furprife ; 
Saul heard plain words, while on the ground, 
They only found. 

Why, Saul, mould I thy fury feel ? 
'Tis hard to kick 'gainft pointed fteel. 
Who art Thou, Lord, foon as he cried, 
The voice replied : — 

I Jefus am, grieved with each woe, 
Which my dear brethren undergo ; 
Arife, I thee from embryo chofe, 
Truth to difclofe. 

He rifing, the o'erpowering light, 

By Heaven's appointment, damp'd his fight, 

That to Damafcus led, he there 

Might fix in prayer. 

Three days he fafted, and was blind, 
With an illuminated mind j 
On Jefus' voice he only mufed, 

With tears infufed. 



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CONVERSION OF 



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Sweet Jefus' wrongs his fpirit gored, 
He them with bitter grief deplored, 
To caufe God-man, his Saviour, (mart, 
Quite broke his heart. 

He God's benignity admired, 
'Midft all his outrages untired, 
Love penitential at that thought 

Was fweetly wrought. 

His faith up to afiurance grew, 
Since he by glad experience knew 
God-man ; O none to that degree 
Could love, but he. 

To eafe his votary, well-nigh fpent, 
God Ananias to him fent, 
Sight by his bleffing was reftored ; 
Both God adored. 

Then in the wave of his own tear 
He was baptifed, his guilt to clear, 
Renounced the name of raging Saul, 
For milder Paul. 

There with the faints awhile he ftay'd, 
For the divine afliftance pray'd, 
There God gave faith and love full height 
By rapturous flight. 

In vifion, or in foul he flew, 

Of the third Heaven to take a view, 



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ST. PAUL. 



And the fublimities heard there, 

Durft not declare. 

Left he thus rapt, with pride fhould fwell, 
God loofed a tempter, who from hell 
Temptations thorny with him brought, 

Which weaknefs taught. 

But prayer procured fufficient grace 
To quell the fiend, and felf debafe ; 
He feem'd improved by trial more, 

Than flight before. 

His faith and love, when thus refined, 
In mutual actuations join'd, 
Faith light imparted, and love heat, 
In union fweet. 

Of thofe bright graces when poflefs'd, 
He with apoftolate was blefs'd, 
All climates round the folar courfe, 

Soon felt their force. 

Firm was his faith, and lively hope, 
Yet charity had greateft fcope ; 
The laft, though lovely all appear'd, 

Was moft endear'd. 

No other knowledge he defired, 
But what the love of Jefus fired ; 
All worldly things he counted lofs 

For Jefus' Crofs. 




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CONVERSION OF 



To the great God of Love he pray'd, 
And never fail'd of gracious aid ; 
He fweetly felt that Love conftrain 
To love again. 

He lived by faith, but more by love, 
Had foretaftes of the blifs above, 
Not to be thought by human mind, 
For love defign'd. 

The boundlefs length, breadth, depth and height 
Of Jefus' Love, was his delight; 
In every track he ftrove to tread, 

Where Jefus led. 

He of paft fins kept humble fenfe, 
A confcience void of all offence : 
No wrongs his love, when ftorm'd by foes, 
Could difcompofe. 

He own'd himfelf of finners chief ; 
Yet ignorance and unbelief, 
When on God's gracious balance weigh'd, 
His guilt allay'd. 

He flefh fubdued by prayer, tear, faft, 
Of votaries deem'd himfelf the laft ; 
Though fuper-effluently graced, 

Was moil debafed. 

Ills, when God's lovers here fuftain'd, 
He knew were for their good ordain'd ; 




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33° 



ST. PAUL. 



Love which on him the Spirit fhed, 
Was void of dread. 

He fingle feem'd a martyr'd hoft, 
Could more than all apoftles boaft j 
Not in himfelf, but in the height 

Of heavenly might. 

Stripes, labours, prifons, ftonings, blows, 
Deaths frequent, confluential woes, 
Thieves, Pagans, the apoftate crew, 
And fpiteful Jew. 

Fatigues, and fhipwrecks on the deep, 
Cold, nakednefs, and want of fleep, 
Thirft, hunger, all the grievous ills, 
Which hell inftils. 

All thefe, whofe number, crowd, and weight, 
'Tis hard to their full pitch to rate, 
For luftres feven the Saint endured, 
To pains inured. 

He of all churches bore the care, 
In all faints' forrows felt a fhare ; 
For lapfe of all who truth believed, 

Was deeply grieved. 

'Midfl: perpetuity of woe, 
Joy would his heart co-overflow, 
Hymns in the flocks he would recite 
In dead of night. 





2) 



CONVERSION OF 



To all the faints he hymns enjoin'd, 
In fufferings not to be declined, 
Love to the Crofs his foul impulfed, 
And griefs adulced. 1 

A long fierce fight his love maintain'd 
Againft the world, and conqueft gain'd, 
And to hell-powers, which fouls invade, 
This challenge made : — 

Forge all the terrors which you can, 
To damp my love of great God-man, 
Your darts fhall unfuccefsful fall, 

I'll ftand them all. 

Should tribulation, or difirefs, 
Dire perfecution, nakednefs, 
Sword, famine, peril, me affail, 

Love fhall prevail. 

My Jefus, out of love to Thee, 
I all day long would murder'd be, 
Die deaths more than a numerous fold, 
For {laughter fold. 

My Love fhall to a higher name 
Than conqueror advance my aim, 
I'll triumph, in God's Love exult, 
And hell infult. 

1 Adulced, foftened, fweetened. 







33* 



ST. PAUL. 



IMS 



Nor death, life, tyrants, devils' might, 
No depths of woe, no honour's height, 
No prefent, nor no future ftate, 

Shall love abate. 

Oft thus he Jefus' Love revolved, 
And fweetly long'd to be diffolved j 
Yet his fweet longings would refign, 
To Will Divine. 

At laft the God of Love was pleafed 
His aged lover fhould be eafed -> 
And nobler to atteft his creed, 

At Rome fhould bleed. 

By Nero doom'd, he loft that head 
Which o'er the world falvation fpread ; 
His foul had all he wifh'd before, 

And long'd no more. 

God gracious wonders by him wrought, 
Whatever touch'd him, virtue caught, 
To heal the fick, fiends difpoffefs, 

And eafe diftrefs. 

The world his diocefe was ftyled, 
He conquer'd nations fierce and wild j 
And ready was more worlds to crave, 

Which he might fave. 

All praife to God for blefled Paul, 
For his grace, gifts, converfion, call, 




333 




Example, labours, wonders, pains, 
Religious gains. 

The Holy Spirit be adored, 
Who him with revelations ftored, 
That light to us he might tranfmit 
In Sacred Writ. 

May I from his own writings learn 
His love, and faving truths difcern, 
Till thirfting for the joys on high, 
I long to die. 



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PURIFICATION OF ST. MARY. THE VIRGIN. 



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F all the folemn days, . 
Devoted to God's praife, 
This day methinks, the Church mifnamed, 
It might have jufter title claim'd 5 
No ear can well endure 
Purification of a Mother pure. 

The womb which Jefus chofe, 

His Godhead to enclofe, 
From wilful fin we guefs was free, 
Fit for the God of purity ; 

And might have rites declined, 
Which for impure conceptions were defign'd. 




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334 



ST. MART THE VIRGIN. 



But her Great Infant few 

Immaculate then knew, 
She might the region fcandalize, 
If judged law facred to defpife ; 

And meekly fhe thought fit 
In charity and wifdom to fubmit. 

She with like humble thought, 
Her Babe to Temple brought, 

The ftated ranfom down to lay, 

Which Jews for their firft-born fhould pay. 
The Mighty Child fhe knew, 
To all God's laws would yield fubmifiion due. 

The holy Virgin nought 
But two young pigeons brought, 
An offering of the meaneft rate, 
To fhow her humble, poor eftate ; 
She the vain world denied, 
She perfect contradiction lived to pride. 

Herfelf and Son fhe there 

Devoted to God's care ; 
She knew the dire predicted woe 
Her Son for man fhould undergo ; 

And though to tear inclined, 
All her foft yearnings to God's Will refign'd. 



It was the Infant's aim 
When He to Temple came, 




335 



6M3s^ 





To God Himfelf entire to give, 
In conftant facrifice to live, 
And on the Crofs to bleed, 
To work that good His Father had decreed. 

Saints to the houfe of prayer 

Wont daily to repair, 
The glory of God-man beheld 
In fplendour which the ark excell'd ; 

They faw the truth foretold, 
The fecond Temple now out-mined the old. 

Simeon, devout and juft, 
Purged from terreftrial guft, 1 

Had waited with a longing eye, 

To fee Meffias from on high ; 
And Heaven ere he expired 
Had promifed him the blifs fo much defired. 

The Spirit, ever blefs'd, 

By force of Love imprefs'd, 
Was to God's Houfe the lover's Guide, 
Where God Incarnate he defcried, 

At his firft heavenly view, 
He Ifrael's wifh'd-for confolation knew. 

The faint at that glad fight, 
Raifed to ecftatic height, 

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ST. MART THE VIRGIN. 



With love the whole afTembly fired, 
Embraced the Babe, to Heaven afpired, 
Could earth no more endure, 
And into hymn brake out, for Heaven mature. 

God-man has blefs'd my eye, 

In peace Lord let me die, 
I the Redeemer now behold, 
Whofe Love even Gentiles fhall enfold, 

Be the world's glorious Light, 
And fried o'er Ifrael rays benign and bright. 

Next he the parents blefs'd, 

And prophefy exprefs'd, 
That when the Babe commenced His reign 
Many mould fall and rife again, 

Many mould be averfe, 
And fword-like grief mould the dear Mother pierce. 

Then the Babe's blefling he 
Imploring on his knee, 
The Infant gave him his releafe, 
And in fweet beam a kifs of peace, 
His fpirit burft its clay, 
And flew to hymn God-man in endlefs day. 

Prophetic aged Anne 

Came next to fee God-man, 
Her life fhe in the Temple fpent, 
On prayer and faft entirely bent, 




337 



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PURIFICATION OF 



She fang a fong of praife, 
Soon as fhe Jefus faw in gracious rays. 

All who curfed fin bemoan'd, 

And for a Saviour groan'd, 
She warn'd on Jefus to rely, 
And rapt at His endearing eye, 

Could life no more abide, 
But in fweet, amorous liquefaction died. 

Home went, when rites were done, 

The parents with their Son ; 
At Nazareth abode they made, 
Lived in obfcure, and humble made, 

From the vain world eftranged, 
And loves with their fweet Infant interchanged, 

O all ye worldlings, fee 

How happy fouls may be 
Without wealth, pomp, which you admire, 
And madly to your bane defire ; 

The happieft of mankind, 
The humbleft are to Jefus' view confined. 

Jefu, I Thee adore, 

Who finners to reftore, 
Wouldft no humiliations fcorn, 
Thou Godhead's co-immenfe Firft-born, 

Wouldft have Thy ranfom paid, 
Who waft Thyfelfthe world's greatRanfom made. 



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ST. MART THE VIRGIN. 



May I in Thee delight, 
Keep Thee in ghoftly fight ; 
Like Thy blefs'd parents Thee enjoy, 
On Thy fole Love myfelf employ ; 
And from the world retired, 
See nothing but Thyfelf to be defired. 

May I in prayer and faft, 
Still mindful of my laft, 
Like Anna on Thy houfe attend, 
All folemn hours devoutly fpend ; 
There my dear Jefus meet, 
And of Heaven's joys have prelibations fweet. 

May I, in this lapfed ftate, 

For Thy falvation wait, 
By faith, like Simeon, Thee embrace, 
Make my own heart Thy dwelling-place, 

On Thy dear Love rely, 
And fing my own glad requiem when I die. 



ST. MATTHIAS'S DAY. 

NEXT to the name of devil, none 
Than Judas we more odious own, 
It feems fong facred to pollute, 
And beft may with invective fuit. 




ST. MATTHIAS'S DAT. 



But I, fince I Matthias fing, 
And ftory little aid can bring, 
In his curfed character immerfe, 
To draw the Saint by his reverfe. 

The Gofpel which our pallors chofe 
Seems the Saint's likenefs to enclofe, 
And while my fong his draught defigns, 
May furnifh fupplemental lines. 

Both feem'd in grace alike to fhare, 
Devoted to blefs'd Jefus' care, 
And both that call propitious heard, 
Which fouls to Jefus moft endear'd. 

Come all who fink with load and toil, 
I'll you from preflures difembroil ; 
I'm meek and lowly, learn of Me, 
Take My light yoke, 'twill fet you free. 

To take Chrift's yoke they both profefs'd, 
To him 'twas pain, to this 'twas reft. 
He eyed the man, and this the God, 
Both in antar£t.ic footfteps trod. 

He Jefus' eafy yoke forfook, 
And fins much heavier on him took ; 
Without this yoke of his ne'er ftept, 
Which lighter grew, the longer kept. 

He more retainer might be deem'd, 
This a true votary efteem'd ; 



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340 





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ST. MATTHIAS'S DAT. 



He fought to be enrich'd by ftealth, 
This to renounce pomp, pleafure, wealth. 

He of difciple had but paint, 
This was fincere and real faint, 
He for great favours was ingrate, 
This highly would the meaneft rate. 

His call he to blefs'd Jefus owed, 
On this God call by lot beftow'd ; 
Yet when we both their calls review, 
His feems the happier of the two. 

He was apoftle to the Light 
While in the flefh, and lived by fight ; 
This wahVd by Faith, and call obtain'd, 
While Jefus abfent Heaven regain'd. 

He truth drew from the Heavenly Source, 
But clofed his heart againft its force ; 
This from the rills inftru&ion drew, 
And praclifed all the truths he knew. 

Both to height apoftolic reach'd, 
Both myfteries evangelic preach'd ; 
He with a coldnefs, this with zeal, 
Which feem'd the truths he taught, to feel. 

Hell into him dire thoughts inftill'd, 
His heart was with curfed Satan fill'd ; 
Illapfes of the gracious Dove 
Fill'd this with a victorious love. 






341 



ST. MATTHIAS'S DAT. 



He Jefus with a kifs betray'd, 
This faithful duty to Him pay'd -, 
He thirfted Jefus' Blood to ftied, 
While this for Jefus would have bled. 

Both to repentances inclined, 
His made him worfe, this grew refined ; 
His drave him to a fierce defpair, 
This pardon gain'd by tear and prayer. 

He felt anticipated hell, 

At laft the devil's martyr fell, 

Was his own hangman, burft in twain, 

By furies dragg'd to endlefs pain. 

A life of love and joy this led, 

And martyr's crown adorn'd his head ; 

Had foretaftes of eternal blifs, 

And gladly could his foul difmifs. 

His crime predicted was of old, 
His name, in Book of Life enroll'd, 
Was by blefs'd Jefus quite erafed, 
And in infernal records placed. 

This all his life, abroad when fent, 

In charitable labours fpent ; 

This wonders wrought, this hell controll'd, 

This added flocks to Jefus' fold. 

This with fierce Pagan lands converfed, 
Salvation far and wide difperfed, 




342 









and fhines 



Indelible in heavenly lines. 



Soon as the Saint to Heaven took flight, 
All the inhabitants of light 
Gave him of peace the rapturous kifs, 
And fung God's praifes for his blifs. 

Soon as he had his glorious crown, 

He on his radiant throne fate down, 

Afleflbr to God-man ordain'd, 

When the twelve tribes fhall.be arraign'd. 

That throne for Judas once defign'd, 
Ere from his duty he declined, 
To blefs'd Matthias was enfured, 
Reward for woes he had endured. 

Curfed Judas at laft day mail fee 
Matthias, who his judge fhall be, 
And hear his doom at that bright throne, 
Which once he might have ftyled his own. 

In hell, the heavenly throne and call 
Eternally his foul will gall ; 
The greater grace he here received, 
The more he will below be grieved. 

With a feign'd faintfhip for awhile 
Curfed traitors may the world beguile ; 
But death will counterfeits expofe, 
And damn to undiflembled woes. 



as 




3+3 



ST. MATTHIAS'S DAT. 



I 



O Gracious God ! how apt are we 
To prove like Judas falfe to Thee, 
We call Thee Lord, but little mind 
Obedience to Thy laws enjoin'd. 

Falfe Judas, Lord, when Thee he fold, 
Had thirty pieces to him told ; 
His gain he but ten hours poflefs'd, 
Difturb'd with horrors in his breaft. 

We fell Thy favour every day 
For trifles which foon fade away ; 
Which frefh vexations ftill create, 
And which provoke Thy boundlefs hate. 

The traitor grudged the ointment fhed 
By humble Mary on Thy Head ; 
We on our lufts profufe, repine 
To give Thee tenths of what is Thine. 

If Judas, when apoftle made, 
His Lord and his own foul betray'd, 
We from our pronenefs to backflide, 
Self-jealous, fhould in Thee confide. 

All praife to Thee, Who didft affume 
Matthias in the traitor's room, 
An envoy after God's own mind, 
Whofe preference God Himfelf defign'd. 

May I, Lord, like Matthias ftrive, 
From Thee my copy to derive ; 




3+4- 




ST. MATTHIAS'S DAY. 



O may the world me never fway, 
My God, like Judas to betray. 

All praife to Thee, Who didfl: extradt, 
Good from the traitor's fouleft a£r, 
His kifs Thy paffion introduced, 
And all the joys of Heaven unfluiced. 



ANNUNCIATION OF THE BLESSED 
VIRGIN MARY. 

WHEN God the radiant Gabriel chofe, 
His will to Zechary to difclofe, 
The faints and angels all agreed 
There was fome gracious thing decreed, 
God, fupereffluently bright, 
Gave them additional delight. 

But when fix moons were gone about, 
And Gabriel was again call'd out, 
They then beheld the glorious Trine 
In brighter rays than ever fhine, 
Which with benignities immenfe 
Caufed joys unfpeakably intenfe. 

His robe was of a glory made, 
Like that was on the ark difplay'd, 




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ANNUNCIATION OF THE 



His wings of gradual beams were wove, 
And as with them he ether clove, 
Heaven ftood in infinite amaze, 
And overflow'd in fbngs of praife. 

The morning ftars in memory bore, 

The rays God at creation wore, 

When pleafed He all His works furvey'd, 

And they in fong firft homage paid. 

Thefe inconceivably excell'd 

The fplendour which they then beheld. 

Paternal God to blifsful fight 

Appear'd in full propitious might, 

The gracious Dove, with wings outfpread, 

Stood ready on the world to fhed 

Of fweet enlivening influence more 

Than e'er the chaos had before. 

The angels by God Filial taught, 
His chariot of falvation brought, 
By horfes of falvation drawn, 
Along the beatific lawn ; 
Unlocked was the celeftial gate, 
That down He might defcend in ftate. 

Meanwhile bright Gabriel fwiftly flew, 
Till Nazareth open'd to his view, 
He fmelPd of prayer the odorous fume, 
And traced it to the homely room, 




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BLESSED VIRGIN MART. 



Where he a Virgin had in fight, 
Who feem'd to blifs juft taking flight. 

Such heavenly air he in her eyed, 
Which with his own angelic vied, 
Towards God fhe with fuch ardours foar'd, 
With fuch devotion God adored, 
That till he mark'd her well, he guefs'd 
'Twas feraph in a female veft. 

He then began, with afpecl: fweet, 
What God enjoin'd him to repeat : 
Hail, Mary, beft of mortal race ! 
Hail, highly favour'd, full of Grace ! 
The Lord will temple in thy Heart, 
Thou happieft of all women art. 

The humble Maid was in furprife, 
At the bright envoy in her eyes, 
He mildly adds, furprife forbear, 
You in God's Love have greater} fhare, 
You mail conceive a wondrous Child, 
Who mail, when born, be Jefus ftyled. 

He mail be great, by all revered, 
God's only Son, to God endear'd ; 
God will His father David's throne, 
On Him beflow, He'll reign alone 
O'er Ifrael, and a fceptre fway, 
A kingdom which fhall ne'er decay. 




34-7 




ANNUNCIATION OF THE 



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How can this be, the Saint replied, 

Since I a virgin will abide ? 

The Holy Ghoft, he then rejoin'd, 

Shall make illapfe upon thy mind, 

God's gracious power on thee mall ftream, 

And crown thee with enamouring beam. 

The Babe who in thy womb fhall lie, 
Shall be the Son of God molt High, 
When thrice the moon its courfe mail run, 
Eliza old mail have a Ton. 
Thought nothing can too hard conceive 
For power unbounded to achieve. 

God's handmaid, cried fhe, here behold, 
May all fucceed thou haft foretold. 
Then humbly Gabriel bade adieu, 
And while he to his hymns re-flew, 
In Heaven below fhe acquiefced, 
Benignly deluging her breaft. 

Her thought on dear Meffias dwelt, 
To languor fhe began to melt, 
While God from Heaven a vifit made ; 
Fulfilling what His envoy faid, 
The Father, Son, and Holy Dove, 
Duffufed on her Triunal Love. 



I 



Down to the Virgin, Filial God 
With chariots of falvation rode, 







Of her heart blood by Love enflamed, 
He for Himfelf a temple framed ; 
Debafement was His fole intent, 
To Heaven His chariot empty went. 

Her foul to dear Meffias cleaved, 
In a fweet rapture fhe conceived, 
Juft in the moment God defign'd, 
To be in her pure womb enfhrined, 
And as He entrance made, began 
The union of great God with man. 

While God was in her womb contain'd, 
In conftant rapture fhe remain'd ; 
Should all the denizens of light 
Their joys and loves in one unite, 
Of God inwomb'd one gracious ray 
Would all their quinteffence outweigh. 

Yet like her humble Son, that fhe 

His Mother dear might humble be, 

She lived in filence and retired, 

Love blazed not, though by Godhead fired, 

Her joys, her graces fhe conceal'd, 

Till Gabriel them in part reveal'd. 

He Mary God's high favourite named, 
He full of grace her foul proclaimed, 
Heaven when fuch titles it beftows, 
A fanclity tranfcendent mows; 





ANNUNCIATION OF THE 



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We know fhe had the full extent 
Of all which by that ftyle is meant. 

A love afpiring towards immenfe, 

A charity to all propenfe ; 

A foul from fenfual guft refined, 

Benign, meek, lowly, and refign'd ; 

A blifsful joy, a zeal devout, 

All powers towards God ftill flowing out. 



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For thefe, Lord, and unnumber'd more, 
With which Thou didft Thy Mother ftore ; 
We offer up our hymn this day, 
And beg that all our lives we may 
Tread in Thy Mother's fteps Divine, 
As (he devoutly trod in Thine. 

The Virgin haftes the happy news 

Into Eliza to infufe ; 

Her joy fhe with the news imparts, 

They mutually tranfpired their hearts, 

The Holy Ghoft Eliza fill'd, 

And gratulations fweet inftill'd. 

O happy Virgin undefiled, 
Blefs'd Mother of a Bleffed Child, 
Who deigns to honour my poor cell, 
Soon as your blifs I heard you tell, 
Your Babe infpired my unborn boy, 
Who danced within my womb for joy. 



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BLESSED FIRGIN MART. 






Frefh joys the Virgin then pofTefs, 
Such which hymn only could exprefs. 
My foul God's praifes mall recite, 
And in my Saviour take delight, 
Who on His handmaid deigns to reft, 
And future times mail call me Bleft. 

The Mighty works for me great things, 
His Holy Name my fpirit fings ; 
His mercy on each age defcends, 
Which Him with filial fear attends. 
His fovereign Arm brings down the proud, 
And diffipates their boaftings loud. 



He finks to nought the worldly great, 
Exalts the humble to their feat : 
The hungry with good things fuftains, 
And fends the rich away with empty veins -, 
He to good Abraham's faithful race, 
Shews to the full all promifed grace. 

The Virgin then to Nazareth went, 
Her ecftafies in hymn to vent ; 
As in her womb God took repofe, 
O may my heart my God enclofe. 
In Heaven fhall centre my defire, 
And in perpetual hymn afpire. 




35i 



63503^ 





ST. MARK'S DAT. 



ST. MARK'S DAY. 

FOR your converfion, holy Mark, 
Though ftory leaves us in the dark, 
Yet humbly we conclude, 
When Heaven your foul fubdued, 
The light celeftial mined 
In full meridian fplendour on your mind. 

You by Levitical defcent 
Your age on legal fhadows fpent. 
Priefts long to fhadows train'd, 
Pure, folid truth difdain'd, 
And when they faith profefs'd, 
Were with convictions fuper-effluent blefs'd. 

God His apoftle Peter chofe, 

Who mould your heart to truth difpofe ; 

His ghoftly net he threw, 

And up your fpirit drew ; 

God moved his hand, that he 
From the tempeftuous world mould fet you free. 

He, when his Mafter he denied, 
By Jefus was benignly eyed ; 

By that attractive Dear 

Was melted into tear, 

Was taught your foul to treat 
With zeal obliging, and compamon fweet. 




ST. MARK'S DAT. 



Of all the converts which he gain' d 
You moil: his tender paffion drain'd ; 

You his beloved child 

Endearingly he ftyled, 

You he companion made, 
And co-adjutor, where he truth difplay'd. 

To Rome, you with your patron fteer'd, 
That Jefus there might be revered ; 
By your unwearied care 
You reap'd glad harveft there, 
Then fpread the truth divine 
O'er all the wide Suburbicarian line. 

By Roman converts you befought, 
The heavenly truths which Peter taught, 
And you from him imbibed, 
You from your heart tranfcribed ; 
Your gofpel he perufed, 
And recognized the truth he had infufed. 

When Rome with Profelytes was fill'd, 
Egyptian fields remain'd untill'd, 
God there your zeal decreed, 
Should fow fupernal feed, 
And by your gracious toil, 
You more than Nile foon fertilifed the foil. 

You all great Alexandria o'er 
Made infidels God-man adore ; 




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353 



ST. MARK'S DAT. 



Your zeal no limits knew, 
It o'er rude countries flew, 
Marmorica it tamed, 
And out of Libyan chaos churches framed. 

You men, than favage beafts more wild, 
Could fweeten to a temper mild ; 
No monfters Afric bred, 
No brutes which venom fhed, 
No fcorching heats you fear'd, 
Zeal to fave fouls, all you fuftain'd, endear'd. 

Your miracles, example, zeal, 
Salviflc myfteries to reveal, 
O'er multitudes prevail'd, 
They all their fins bewail'd, 
Abjured curfed Satan's reign, 
When in the hallow'd laver born again. 

Back to your Alexandrian feat 
You from your travels made retreat, 
Saints who with hymn o'erflow'd, 
For aids on you beftow'd, 
Your paftoral chair revered 
Placed in the Mother-Church which there you 
rear'd. 

Of all the thrones for learning famed, 
Your city the precedence claim'd, 

All fcientific light 

There reach'd its utmoft height -, 




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Yet when your rays they felt, 
They found they in Egyptian darknefs dwelt. 

T he joyful day when Jefus rofe, 
Began its luftre to difclofe, 
Saints riling God adored, 
Their rife from fin implored, 
And with immortal bread 
Were by your blefling at the Altar fed. 

Curfed Satan made a fierce effay, 
To defecrate that facred day, 
The Pagans he convened, 
From hell the rabble glean'd ; 
Serapis up they cried, 
And you, high Heaven's ambaffador, defied. 

The fpiteful fiend above the reft, 

Who the foul idol long poilefs'd, 

The infidels enraged, 

And in your death engaged, 

Left you fhould him expel, 

And from his temple drive him back to hell 

Your body o'er the ftreets they dragg'd, 
Where every flint your mufcles jagg'd, 
Your confidential wound 
With blood bedew'd the ground, 
Till into prifon thrown, 
To fpend the night in agonizing moan. 



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355 



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ST. MARK'S DAT. 



But gracious God foft pity took, 
He never His dear Saint forfook, 

He in that dolorous night 

Gave you of blifs a fight, 

That fight your fpirit cheer'd, 
And all the torment you fuftain'd endear'd. 

Their rage renew'd at morning dawn, 
You o'er the ftreets again were drawn, 
And praying for your foes, 
Opprefs'd with numerous woes, 
Youf etch'd your dying groan, 
By angels wafted to your heavenly throne. 

Of life the furies you deprived, 
Their madnefs yet your fate furvived ; 

Your corps to flame they doom'd, 

To afhes ftraight confumed, 

Your afhes, though difperfed, 
Omnifcience counts, till to their fites reverfed. 

For you, blefs'd Saint, be God adored, 
Who you with gifts and graces ftored ; 

May I your volume read, 

My life like you to lead, 

As of Incarnate God 
You in the imitable footfteps trod. 




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PHILIP AND 



WHEN Solomon the Temple rear'd, 
Where 'twixtthe cherubs God appear'd, 
At entrance he two pillars placed, 
Which the fair porch upheld and graced, 
Renown'd for their diameter and length, 
Jachin and Boaz, ftablifhment and ftrength. 

Thus Jefus, when His Church He form'd, 
Which fhould by hell in vain be ftorm'd, 
Two faints for facred pillars chofe, 
Who hell's firft onfets fhould oppofe, 
Philip and James, liability and might, 
With zeal to raife, and keep falvific light. 

With apoftolic call firft blefs'd, 

Philip gave pattern to the reft ; 

James the firft bifhop they decreed, 

The Heavenly Bifhop to fucceed, 
With force endearing Philip truth difplay'd, 
James fix'd the Church on fure foundations laid. 

His heavenly might firft Philip tried 

When to Nathaniel he was guide, 

He faw the Ifraelite fincere, 

To Jefus at firft view adhere ; 
He gave to God for that great convert praife, 
And in converfions vow'd to fpend his days. 




357 



^ 




ST. PHILIP AND 



When Gentiles led by Jems' fame, 

To vifit Him at Salem came, 

To Philip they themfelves addrefs'd, 

To make to Jefus their requeft ; 
His zeal for converts was illuftrious grown, 
That all with him their Saviour's Love might own. 

When Jefus of His Father fpake, 
To Whom He an afcent would make, 
Shew us the Father, Philip cried, 
That Faith and Love may firm abide ; 
Great God was 'twixt the cherubs wont to fhine, 
Vouchfafe us of His prefence now a fign. 

Our Lord replied, in feeing Me, 

You my co-glorious Father fee, 

He with His co-eternal Son, 

Is an Indivifible One ; 
And Godhead brighter mines in flefh enclofed, 
Than when the glory on the ark repofed. 

Blefs'd Philip, when the gracious Dove 
Rain'd down full fhowers of Light and Love, 
In Phrygia fettled his abode, 
Which he with feeds immortal fow'd, 
There in fhort time he for the realm of peace 
Of converts reap'd a thoufand-fold increafe. 

When fpent with toil, by Heaven's decrees, 
Hell ere aware procured his eafe, 



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ST. JAMES'S DAY. 



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Fiends which he from their temples drave, 
Confpired to lodge him in the grave, 
The Pagan ruler by their rage poflefs'd, 
Sent the old martyr to his wifh'd-for reft. 

As Philip, Pagans to convert, 
Was wont his vigour to exert, 
Blefs'd James, the brother of God-man, 
Of Church eftablifh'd drew the plan 
At Salem, when committed to his care, 
He raifed his paftoral and ideal chair. 

James on the Crofs faw Jefus dead, 

And made a vow to tafte no bread 

Till Jefus rifen he beheld, 

And when our Lord death-fhades difpell'd, 
To His difciple early He appeared, 
Diflblved His vow, and His fad votary cheer'd. 

Blefs'd Peter, by an angel freed, 

Difpatch'd a meflenger with fpeed, 

Who mould to holy James relate 

The opening of the iron gate ; 
He to the Mother-Church due deference taught, 
And the firft news was to the bifhop brought. 

In the firft fynod James alone, 
Who fat in the Archfhepherd's throne, 
The laft decifive vote exprefs'd, 
In which the faints all acquiefced. 



yjxxxxxx^ ' 




359 



ST. PHILIP AND 



'Twas Jems' chair, not Peter's, which then fway'd, 
And Peter to blefs'd James fubmiflion made. 

You happy Saint in Jems' chair, 

Of Jefus' grace had liberal fhare ; 

You from blefs'd Jefus borrow'd light, 

And mined in an example bright, 
Even envious Jews your fan£tity would own, 
You by the name of James the Juft were known. 

You every day took up your crofs, 

Efteem'd this world but dung and drofs ; 

From wine and flefh you ftill abftain'd, 

You all your appetites reftrain'd ; 
You on mere neceflaries taught to live, 
And the fuperfluous to the poor to give. 

You lived in a quotidian fall, 

In lively profpecl: of your laft ; 

Your flock had your paternal care, 

Your bufinefs was perpetual prayer ; 
Your forehead and your knees were callous grown 
With long proftrations at the heavenly throne. 

When at the Pafchal feaft your eye 
Could the whole Jewifh race defcry, 
You on the Temple took your ftand, 
You Jefus preach'd to all the land ; 
Till, by a rude and hell-direcled blow, 
You were forced headlong to the ground below. 



f4 




ST. JAMES'S DAY. 



Bruifed by the fall as down you fell, 
Your ftoning was contrived by hell, 
And while the flints were at you aim'd, 
With Chrift-like charity inflamed, 
For felf and foes, with like devout effort, 
You begg'd their pardon, and your own fupport. 

You bruife, and pain, and wound all o'er, 

Kneel'd, agonizing in your gore 7 

While a wretch, cruel in intent, 

Deterr'd by Heaven to kind event, 
Dafh'd out your brains, and you flew up in ftate, 
Convoy'd by angels to the blifsful gate. 

Blefs'd James and Philip on one day, 

When martyr'd, met upon the way ; 

In ether, as they foar'd to blifs, 

They join'd in mutual, holy kifs ; 
The bleft received them in embraces dear, 
And joy was doubled o'er the heavenly fphere. 

We double praifes, Lord, this day, 
To Thee for Thy two pillars pay, 
For ftrength the faith in Afia gain'd, 
When Philip faving-truth explain'd ; 
For James by faints moft worthy judged to be 
Firft bifhop of the firft eftablifh'd fee. 

In preaching Philip fpent his might, 
And little leifure had to write ; 




361 



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ST. BARNABAS 



James a divine epiftle penn'd, 

Both had the fame falvific end. 
May we, like them, Thy facred truth embrace, 
With ftrength of faith, and ftablifhment in grace. 



ST. BARNABAS THE APOSTLE. 

ALL who to Jefus came, 
And felt the force of that dear Name, 
The more they Jefus knew, 
The more enamour'd ftill they grew, 

Each grace which in Him mined, 
With zeal they copied in their mind. 

Each grace though they revered, 
Yet fome one grace was more endear'd ; 

As in a finner's breaft, 
The darling fin o'erpowers the reft ; 

Thus in the faints we trace 
Indulgence of a darling grace. 

Our Lord, benign and mild, 
Was Ifrael's confolation ftyled ; 

And Jofes, o'er whofe foul 
Loved Jefus had entire control, 

Revolved with molt delight 
Our Lord's confolatory might. 



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THE APOSTLE. 



The Saint of temper fweet, 
Wont fouls endearingly to treat, 

With fympathizing heart, 
Would gladly the fupports impart 

From Jefus' Love received, 
Whene'er he felt his fpirit grieved. 

Saints him for fweetnefs famed, 
The Son of Confolation named ; 

They Barnabas decreed 
The name of Jofes to fucceed ; 

And ever fince by none 
But that fweet name the Saint is known. 

When Holy Church firft rofe, 
To triumph o'er infernal foes, 

Blefs'd Barnabas for gold 
His plentiful poffeffions fold, 

And the vaft fum complete 
Laid down at the Apoftles' feet. 

Thus eafed of clogs terrene, 
With confcience from pollution clean, 

Himfelf he daily fpent, 
Of faints the number to augment ; 

With holy Paul he join'd, 
To God alike both co-inclined. 

In millions, dangers, cares, 
And fufferings, they went equal (hares ; 





ST. BARNABAS 



Vaft regions they furvey'd, 
Foundations there of churches laid, 

With alms their wants fupplied, 
Confirm'd them, left they mould backilide. 

From union with blefs'd Paul, 
The faint had apoftolic call ; 

Paul, when they Lyftra taught, 
A cure miraculoufly wrought, 

A cripple he reftored, 
And Lyftra would have both adored. 

Both gods to Pagans feem'd, 
Paul, Mercury they all efteem'd ; 

But Barnabas they took 
For Jove, when they obferved his look ; 

In him was mixture rare, 
Benign, majeftic, graceful air. 

Soon as they gods were thought, 
The Pagans facrifices brought ; 

But both their veftures rent, 
The profanation to prevent j 

Took item from falfe zeal, 
True God their Maker to reveal. 

No faints were better pair'd, 
When truths falvific they declared ; 

Paul with a facred heat 
Would down the realm of Satan beat, 




364 



THE APOSTLE. 



But Barnabas in meek 
And gentle ftyle would all befpeak. 

He the foundation clear'd, 
And of the Church the fabric rear'd \ 

This would the frame fecure, 
That all rude fhocks it might endure, 

He faving faith infpired, 
This with foft Love believers fired. 

Within this vale of tears 
Temptations, forrows, frailties, fears, 

The faithful foul infeft, 
Raife agonies in human breaft, 

And a fierce, ftormy ill 
None but a Barnabas can (till. 



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Should we the topics guefs 
On which he laid prevailing ftrefs, 

Yet how he them enforced, 
With what fweet energy difcourfed, 

And troubled hearts compofed, 
Can never fully be difclofed. 

Dear foul, he oft would cry, 
While tears ran down from either eye, 

Your deep afflictive moan, 
By fympathy becomes my own, 

I know your painful fore, 
And by God's aid will you reftore. 





ST. BARNABAS 



No grief can you furprife, 
But comes from God, juft, powerful, wife ; 

As juft and wife, in vain 
He ne'er inflicts a caufelefs pain, 

His power controls its fource, 
Its progrefs, and confines its courfe. 

God fends inftru&ive woes, 
That they for Heaven may fouls difpofe ; 

All aiming at our good, 
When their defign is underftood - 3 

And when a heart is broke, 
Paternal pity gives the ftroke. 

That pity gives relief, 
It joins a comfort with each grief; 

You have in all diftrefs, 
To Love immenfe a free accefs ; 

That Love to cure your wound, 
By promife, and by oath is bound. 

Your ftrength love nicely weighs, 
And load too heavy never lays ; 

All woes are fhort and light, 
When joys eternal are in fight ; 

And when God's word you read, 
You fovereign cordial never need. 

All the co-glorious Three 
In confolations fweet agree ; 




366 



£. 



THE APOSTLE. 



You God in every groan, 
Comforter, Father, Saviour, own, 

O then your will refign 
To that co-amiable Trine. 

God-man our miferies felt, 
When He on earth afflicted dwelt ; 

By woes which He fuftain'd, 
He pities every faint when pain'd ; 

With fuch fupports as thefe, 
We guefs our Saint gave fpirits eafe. 

When he and Paul agreed 
They from each other would recede, 

Blefs'd Barnabas took fail 
For Cyprus with a profperous gale, 

There to his native clime 
To confecrate his care and time. 

Till now, that fertile ifle 
Men could not juftly happy ftyle, 

Luft there appear'd bare-faced, 
Laws were promulged againft the chafte, 

'Till God employ'd the Saint, 
To keep the devils in reftraint. 

Among the fiends of hell, 
Unclean are hardeft to expel ; 

With inbred luft they fide, 
And poifon in foul pleafure hide ; 




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ST. BARNABAS. 



The Saint foon clear'd the coafts, 
And drave to hell relu&ant ghofts. 

His light we guefs was fpread 
Beyond the ifle where he was bred ; 

But his congenial air 
Remain'd the centre of his care ; 

And thither he return'd, 
In his birth-place to be inurn'd. 

Though the foul devils fail'd, 
When fiercely they the Saint aflaiFd ; 

Yet into harden'd Jews, 
When truth he labour'd to infufe, 

They murder'd him with ftone, 
Kind fpite advanced him to his throne. 

All praife to God above, 
For our foft Saint's condoling love ; 

May we our paffions chain, 
Strive his fweet temper to obtain, 

And on the Chriftian race 
Shed like confolatory grace. 





ST. JOHN BAPTISTS DAT. 



ST. JOHN BAPTIST'S DAY. 

GABRIEL to Daniel, when at prayer, 
Was fent Meffias to declare, 
And then to Heaven reflown, 
Attended at the Throne, 
Till feventy annual weeks ran out, 
In hymn devout 
He never ceafed ; yet in that bleft employ 
He could no tedium feel, but unfucceffive joy. 

Again, God call'd him from on high 
With evangelic news to fly ; 
To Zachary he appear'd, 
A prieft to God endear'd ; 
As with the fume of incenfe fired, 
His prayer afpired, 
To promife him from Heaven a facred fon, 
Who the fo-long-defired Meffias mould fore-run. 

O wondrous boy ! by Heaven foretold, 
Of parents childlefs, barren, old, 
Who had by dumbnefs feal'd 
The happy news reveal'd, 
Whofe birth reftored his father's voice, 
Made faints rejoice 
With dear Eliza, while with loofen'd tongue, 
Bleft Zachary of his babe a hymn prophetic fung. 




369 



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ST. JOHN BAPTIST'S DAT. 

O wondrous child ! by Heaven decreed 
The world's Redeemer to precede, 
Elias to outfhine 
In gifts and grace Divine ; 
Of prophets chief of all mankind, 
The moft refined ! 
When embryo you Incarnate God fore-ran, 
And leaping in the womb, your prophecy began. 

When Herod Bethlehem infants flew, 
None 'fcaped but Infant-God and you ; 
In defert you fecured, 
Were in a cave immured, 
Your parents by kind Heaven infpired, 
With you retired, 
They of God's law gave you fweet early tafte, 
Which to the Love Divine kept your affection 
chafte. 

The aged faints taught you God's will 
With refignation to fulfil, 
Each imitable grace 
In the angelic race ; 
To love great God with utmoft might, 
In God delight, 
In meditation to employ your days, 
In miniftering to fouls, and in inceflant praife. 

They taught on Heaven to fix your aim, 
This world evanid to difclaim. 



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370 



ST. JOHN BAPTIST'S DAT. 



Your flefh fubdued to keep, 

In clothes, food, pleafures, fleep, 
Devout, pure, humble, in retreat 

With God to meet, 
Zeal void of dread, habitual faft and prayer, 
All virtues for God-man fit entrance to prepare. 

Your habitation from a child, 
Was 'mongft the beafts, fierce, ravenous, 
wild, 
You them familiar made, 
They all your voice obey'd. 
What changes mould by you be wrought, 
God early taught, 
That you mould men from brutifh fins reclaim, 
A labour much more hard than favage beaft to tame. 

You, ere your parents blifs obtain'd, 
The height of heavenly wifdom gain'd, 
You to repentance then 
Were calPd to waken men, 
An active life God you enjoin'd, 
But yet defign'd 
No power to you of miracles to give, 
Fore-feeing you yourfelf a miracle would live. 

In veft of camel's hair array'd, 

With leather girt, you entrance made, 

The humble garb you chofe, 

This world's denial fhews : 




ST. JOHN BAPTIST'S DAT. 



You locufts and wild-honey eat 

For daily meat. 
The lefs you on external aids relied, 
The more you aid Divine unrivall'd glorified. 

You God's great harbinger were fent, 
To move all finners to repent, 
With future wrath to fcare 
Hard hearts to humble prayer, 
And gleams of cheerful hope to fried, 
To mix with dread ; 
You taught God's gracious kingdom drawing 
nigh, 
In which none lived, but they who to the world 
would die. 

You fuited rules to all degrees, 
To fet all confciences at eafe, 
To beg of Heaven recruits, 
And bring forth heavenly fruits, 
You crowds baptized in tear and wave, 
Their fouls to fave ; 
You fhew'd yourfelf to all where'er you came, 
A mining, burning light, to lighten and enflame. 

You great God-man baptized, and eyed 
The Empyreum opening wide, 

Saw the fupernal quire 

In lofty hymn confpire ; 




37 z 



1 



ST. JOHN BAPTIST'S DAT. 

The heavenly Dove His wings outfpread 
O'er Jefus' head, 
You heard a voice defcend from blifsful height, 
This is My Son beloved, in Whom I take delight. 

To Jefus you oft witnefs gave, 
The Lamb of God, Who came to fave ; 
Fierce Herod you revered, 
Your warnings gladly heard ; 
And he from various fins abftain'd, 
By you reftrain'd, 
Till his adulterous inceft you reproved, 
Which to fierce female fpite his lewd adultrefs 
moved. 

You fhew'd that faints may martyrs bleed, 
For moral truths, as well as creed ; 
The fword your foul fet free 
That glorious ftate to fee, 
Of which you oft to liftening Jews 
Gave lively views, 
You in both realms had the fame honour'd place, 
Fore-runner of God-man in blifs as well as grace. 

All praife to God, Whofe tender care 
The way for Jefus to prepare, 

Sent John all guilt to clear, 

By penitential tear, 
To raife of Jefus' Love immenfe 
A previous fenfe. 



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ST. PETER'S DAT. 



All, who for fin excited were to grieve, 
With open arms and hearts a Saviour would 
receive. 

Teach me, my God, by Thy dear Saint, 
To keep my paflions in reftraint, 
By penitential moan, 
To break my heart of ftone, 
Thy Love will make it whole again, 
And eafe my pain ; 
Thou for Thy manfion wilt my heart endure, 
When made for Thee by tear preparatory pure. 

May I, with a devotion due, 
Fix on the Lamb of God my view ; 
That lovely, gracious fight 
Will caft enamouring light, 
My foul will love for Love return, 

Will mine and burn. 
Like John, this world I'd trample under feet, 
And but for doing good, ne'er leave devout retreat. 



ST. PETER'S DAY. 



OUR Lord, when Simon to Him came, 
To Cephas changed his name, 
In His all-comprehending view, 
He hell's affaults foreknew, 




374 



ST. PETER'S DAY. 



And of a fifher form'd a rock, 
To ftand infernal mock. 

To raife a realm o'er humankind, 

When, Lord, Thou hadft defign'd, 

Sure fuch a high heroic deed 

Sould fome great monarch need, 

Whofe conduct:, wealth, and numerous hofts, 
Should clear the adverfe coafts. 

But God, to baffle human might, 

And raife to Him our fight, 
The powerful, rich, wife, noble, brave, 

Was wholly pleafed to waive, 
He mean, unarm'd, illiterate chofe, 

The fcorn of all His foes. 

His foes, who faw the weak repel, 

The force of world and hell, 
How God in weaknefs power difplay'd, 

Power fo notorious made, 
Which with beams univerfal mined, 

Too bright to be declined. 

When near the Galilean Lake 

Our Lord truth heavenly fpake, 

That He from crowd might fit remote. 
He enter'd Simon's boat, 

And foon as it was launch'd in wave, 
From thence inftru&ions gave. 




375 



ST. PETER'S DAT. 



Our Lord to miracle inclined, 
To fix each doubting mind, 

Bade Simon to caft down his net, 

Who nought all night could get ; 

He and his brother ftood amazed, 

When on the draught they gazed. 



Depart from me, Lord, Simon cried, 

Since finful I abide : 
Of God offended, the fad thought, 

Deep felf-debafement wrought, 
He from humility took flight 

To apoftolic height. 

Our Lord to both fpake, Follow Me, 
Of men you'll fifhers be, 

Both at His gracious look and voice, 
Made His fole Will their choice, 

And with fupernal power endowed, 
Thence fifh'd among the crowd. 

Our Lord, the future ftate to mew 
His Church mould undergo, 

Enjoin'd His votaries to embark, 
And in the difmal dark, 

The fhip was by the billows toft, 
In danger to be loft. 

In the fourth watch Incarnate God 
On the rude billows trod 



II 




ST. PETER'S DAT. 



To meet him Simon only dared, 
But cried, by tempeft feared, 

Lord fave me ; Jefus him fuftain'd, 
Till both the veflel gain'd. 

Our Lord, whom wind and fea obey'd, 

The tempeft foon allay'd : 
Church militant, the veflel paints, 

And Simon, all the faints ; 
In ftorms which Church or fouls endure, 

Our Lord will them fecure. 

To unbelievers Peter's ray 

Made truth as clear as day, 

While Simon taught each faithful foul 
How we towards frailty roll, 

To humble, yet fupport mankind, 
God grace and weaknefs join'd. 

Even Peter, though a rock ordain'd, 

Yet Simon ftill remain'd, 
The man was with apoftle link'd, 

Yet both were ftill diftincT:, 
Curfed Satan Simon had betray'd, 

Had not loved Jefus pray'd. 

In Jefus Peter faith profefs'd, 
And was by Jefus blefs'd ; 

His Church he would on Peter rear, 
No force of hell to fear, 




377 



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ST. PETER'S DAT. 



The keys to Peter He confign'd, 

With power to Loofe and Bind. 

But Simon, when our Lord declared 
The Crofs for Him prepared ; 

From the dire Crofs which him difmay'd, 
Tried Jefus to difluade ; 

But Jefus, warm'd with facred ire, 
Bad Satan ftraight retire. 

His fall to Simon was foretold, 

When fcatter'd was the fold ; 

But Peter vow'd he'd rather die. 
Than his dear Lord deny ; 

Yet Simon, ere the cock crow'd twice, 
Denied his Mafter thrice. 

But Jefus Who fweet pity took, 

On Simon call His look, 
The cock his fecond crow began, 

Apoftle chid the man, 
Unutterably Simon grieved, 

And Peter foon retrieved. 

Our Lord, when rifen, He appear'd, 
And His fad votaries cheer' d ; 

To Peter, pain'd with broken heart, 
A vifit made apart, 

His mournful tears he clear'd away, 
By fweet abfolving ray. 




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ST. PETER'S DAT. 



Thrice Simon's love blefs'd Jefus tried, 
Since he had thrice denied ; 

Thrice Simon had exprefs'd his flame, 
And Peter thence became ; 

Our Lord re-loved him, and decreed 
He fheep and lambs mould feed. 

When Jefus charge to votaries gave, 
The world to teach and fave ; 

And then afcending, from above 
Sent down the gracious Dove, 

Blefs'd Peter, not fupreme, but prime, 
Shared in the gifts fublime. 

He then, rock Peter, perfevered, 

The Church was on him rear'd ; 

He the firft powerful fermon preach'd, 
Which various nations reach'd, 

And full three thoufand whom he taught, 
At but one draught he caught. 

His net ftraight took two thoufand more, 
Of fouls he gain'd fuch ftore, 

That in our Lord's late little fold, 
Were multitudes enroll'd, 

Loved John with Peter bore a part, 
But Peter had the ftart. 

He truth with wonder firft affured, 
When he the cripple cured ; 




379 



ST. PETER'S DAT. 



His voice ftruck Ananias dead, 

And the whole Church with dread ; 

And at his fhadow paffing by, 
Difeafe away would fly. 

He Simon the magician quell'd, 
And hellifh charms difpell'd ; 

All quarters of the land he view'd, 
And fouls to Heaven fubdued ; 

Raifed weak Eneas from his bed, 
And Dorcas from the dead. 

By vifion God to him reveal'd 

High truths, till then conceal'd, 

That Gentiles mould in God believe, 
The Holy Ghoft receive ; 

Fulfill'd he faw it in event, 
When to Cornelius fent. 



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He, when a prifoner doom'd to bleed, 
Was by an angel freed ; 

His treble love fpread Love Divine, 
Of the co-lovely Trine ; 

He o'er all Abraham's numerous race 
Shower'd apoftolic grace. 

To Rome at laft he vifit made, 
The Gentiles' guide to aid, 

Both numerous flocks to Jefus gain'd, 
To love of Jefus train'd, 




380 




ST. PETER'S DAT. 



There to the crofs by Nero doom'd, 
He was to blifs aflumed. 

With previous fcourgings he was lafh'd, 
And as his joints they gafh'd, 

He humbly to hang downwards pray'd, 
Reverfe to Jefus made ; 

He deem'd it honour much too high 
Upwards, like Him, to die. 

His confort had her daily fhares 

In all his woes and cares ; 
When me to martyrdom was drawn, 

He faw her glory dawn, 
And fweetly put his Saint in mind 

Of joys for her defign'd. 

When he eclipfed, left heavenly light 

Should not continue bright, 
He lodged in writings what he taught, 

To ftore devoted thought, 
Which ftill fweet, powerful influence fhed, 

When with devotion read. 



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For Peter, God be ever praifed, 

On whom the Church was raifed, 
ky$ ) M(( & Who ghoftly nets for finners caft, 

And drew up numbers vaft, 

Who left to faints in heavenly lines, 
Of truth two wealthy mines. 





ST. JAMES 



The faint each day his fall review'd, 
His cell with tears bedew'd ; 

Like him, we daily Chrift deny, 
When we His laws defy ; 

May we, like him, to love and tears 
Devote refiduous years. 



ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE. 

WHEN God in flefh would be enfhrined, 
He took a form the meaneft of mankind, 
And meaneft inftruments He chofe 
The world to conquer, and hell-powers oppofe, 

The foolifh to confound the wife, 
The weak to humble haughty fcornful eyes, 

To teach antipathy to pride, 
In aid Divine, not human, to confide. 

From a mean toil, and land infame, 
Blefs'd Jefus fifhers call'd to fpread His Name, 

James, Andrew, Simon, John, all four 
Inhabitants of the Tiberian more, 

In grace all partners, as in trade, 
All faw God man's omnipotence difplay'd ; 

When they in vain all night had wrought, 
Unnumbered fhoals at Jefus word they caught. 

They call'd by Him, their fhips forfook, 
Charm'd by His gracious power, and Heavenly 
look, 



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As when dry bones the vale beflrow'd, 
Out the four winds, call'd by the Prophet, flow'd, 

With vital breathings to reftore 
Skin, life, flefh, finews, which they had before ; 

God-man on Jews in fin long dead, 
Thus call'd out four, enlivening truths to fried. 

James and his brother John inclined 
To Jefus, left their aged fire behind, 

They early, if God call'd them, knew 
To natural ties they were to bid adieu ; 

Yet parents had their filial prayer, 
Both ftrove for Heaven their Father to prepare, 

Their mother Salome both revered, 
Who lived a faint, by their direction fteer'd. 

Though John was the beloved declared, 
With him and Peter, James in favour fhared, 

All three, blefs'd Jefus with Him led, 
When He raifed Jairus' daughter from the dead. 

All three afcending Tabor's height, 
Beheld Him mine in beatific light, 

All three as deareft friends He chofe, 
Who mould attefl: His agonizing woes. 

Both James and John with zeal inflamed, 
By Jefus were the fons of thunder named, 

Zeal would to indignation rife, 
When they faw finners Love immenfe defpife ; 

For God they jealous rage tranfpired, 
And wifti'd by Heaven a flubborn village fired ; 




////// M\\\\\ 



383 





ST. JAMES 



But Jefus taught, that His fweet power 
Sent fire to melt mankind, but not devour. 

Their mother, Lord, pray'd that they might 
Sit in Thy realm, enthroned on left and right. 

Ambitious love the thought infpired, 
Which to be neareft Thy dear Love defired ; 

Ambition was by Thee reftrain'd ; 
The Love Divine its vigorous force retain'd ; 

Both vow'd the dolorous cup to drink, 
And neither, when 'twas offer'd them, would 
fhrink. 

James oft would with loved John contend, 
Which of their loves the other mould tranfcend ; 

God's lovers never jealous are, 
When they together loves divine compare ; 

They to each other yield conteft, 
A humble love ftill thinks another's beft ; 

Their loves in ftrength were equal deem'd, 
John's of the two the tenderer!: was efteem'd. 

Blefs'd James around the Jewifh line, 
Difleminated Truth and Love Divine, 

While Jefus here on earth converfed, 
His apoftolic miffion light difperfed ; 

When Jefus, re-enthroned on high, 
His Spirit fent, His prefence to fupply, 

James, then with wondrous gifts endued, 
His labours with a treble force renew'd. 




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THE APOSTLE. 



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Like fire, within his bowels pent, 
His arduous zeal for Jefus forced a vent ; 

He threaten'd Jews with vengeance dread, 
For precious Blood of God Incarnate fhed -, 

Pronounced all damn'd for boundlefs guilt, 
Unlefs wafh'd clean in that dear Blood they fpilt ; 

To mournful penitents he taught 
Grace, pardon, blifs, by Jefus' fufFerings bought. 

His miracles, endearing force, 
Admired example, and Divine difcourfe, 

Made numerous fouls their fins deplore, 
And God, Whom they had crucified, adore. 

To truth he votaries daily gain'd, 
Confounded Jews, infernal powers reftrain'd, 

Till faithlefs men, and fiends of night, 
His life affaulted with confederate fpite. 

To king Agrippa both addrefs'd, 
Theyftorm'd his ear, and thefe enraged his breaft ; 

Cries and injections never ceafed, 
His hate of Jefus hourly they increafed ; 

Blefs'd James he into prifon caft, 
And final fentence on the guiltlefs pafs'd ; 

And he had emptied Peter's veins, 
Had not high Heaven the tyrant kept in chains. 

As to the fcafTold James was led, 
The firft Apoftle who for Jefus bled, 

A Pagan foldier, who the Saint 
Had guarded during his fevere reftraint, 




ST. JAMES 



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And with Heaven-brighten'd eyes had feen 
His patient, humble, gracious, heavenly mien, 

While in the way, fell at his feet, 
With tears the martyr's pardon to entreat. 

The Saint with joy the foldier rear'd, 
The penitent with Jems' merits cheer'd, 

Gave him fpiritual releafe, 
Embraced him with a tender kifs of peace 5 

He deeply all paft fins bemoan'd, 
Himfelf a Chriftian publicly he own'd, 

Till his laft fatal doom was read, 
And he, with James co-martyr'd, loft his head. 

The Saint beheld the brandifh'd blade, 
And in ecftatic joy his exit made, 

To think that at the fcaffold he 
A convert gain'd, as Jefus on the Tree ; 

At parting, he renew'd his kifs, 
A {Turing him, they both mould meet in blifs ; 

The foldier promifed life defpifed, 
And gafp'd for Heaven, in his own blood baptized. 

Heaven fent the convert, guardian aid, 
Juft at the moment when he wept and pray'd, 

His angel watch'd, away to chafe 
All tempters who would ftorm his infant grace. 

When Satan mot a fiery dart, 
'Twas quench'd and blunted, ere it reach'd his 
heart. 



^^ 



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386 



Of martyrs' love, one minute may 
Ten luftres fpent in penance over-weigh. 

Death to their fouls full freedom gave, 
Both with their guardians mot ethereal wave ; 

With angels' fpeed they upwards dived, 
All heaven with joy received them, when arrived ; 

James his apoftle's throne poflefs'd ; 
Both had a martyr's radiant crown and veft ; 

Heaven Jefus hymn'd, in lofty ftrain, 
By whom faints triumph over death and pain. 

High praife to God for all the woes 
Blefs'd James fuftain'd, falvation to difclofe, 

We Thy triumphant grace adore, 
For faints baptized in their own purple gore ; 

May I, like James, fpread faving-light, 
And to the love of Jefus fouls invite : 

With joy I death-pangs mall endure, 
If but one foul I can for Heaven fecure. 



ST. BARTHOLOMEW THE APOSTLE. 

THIS morn, blefs'd Saint, our zeal devout 
May feem encumber'd with a doubt; 
But we through cloud difcover day, 
When probabilities we weigh ; 





ST. BARTHOLOMEW 



We juftly guefs, though under double name, 
Nathanael is with Barthol'mew the fame. 

Blefs'd Philip, in Divine Record, 
Brought dear Nathanael to our Lord, 
Who ftill by Barthormew is meant, 
When he to preach abroad is fent : 
Say then, blefs'd Saint, why chofe you to be known 
More by your father's name, than by your own ? 

To three evangelifts we fly, 
And they all pafs Nathanael by ; 
Loved John of good Nathanael wrote, 
And Barthol'mew feems there forgot; 
Say, holy Church, how may the doubt be folved, 
In which your fons have been fo long involved ? 

Of all who near to Jefus drew, 
None was fo happy at firft view, 
To come to the Phyfician whole, 
Who came to fave the fickly foul, 
As blefs'd Nathanael, who a faint appear'd, 
And was by Jefus honour'd and endear'd. 

Blefs'd Jefus, whofe all-feeing eye 
Could fecrets of the heart defcry, 
Seem'd at firft: fight to canonize 
Nathanael with a fweet furprife ; 
Behold, faid He, an Ifraelite indeed, 
Whofe peaceful foul from wilful guile is freed. 




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THE APOSTLE. 



The Saint by Jefus thus renown'd, 

In a humility profound, 

Men's admiration to decline 

Should they have known that Voice Divine, 
The fplendour of his fanctity to cloud, 
In Barthol'mew Nathanael ftrove to fhroud. 

Though ftory then gives no fupplies, 
When this Saint's life we fupervife, 
Since him God-man was pleafed to ftyle, 
An Ifraelite exempt from guile, 

He lives eternally chara£terifed, 

More than if volumes had his a£ls comprifed. 

I then Nathanael's life will fing, 
Before he came to Ifrael's King : 
Great God of men requires the heart, 
With which but {ew will freely part ; 
When they a heart acceptable prefent, 
It ffluft be broken, foft, contrite, and rent. 

Nathanael with o'erflowing eyes, 
And ardent penitential cries, 
Which mercy for his fins befought, 
His heart to God for offering brought ; 
It humbly panting at God's foot-ftool lay, 
And God mined on it in a gracious ray. 

The gracious ray his forrow cheer'd, 
His heart he on the Altar reard : 



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ST. BARTHOLOMEW 



And in the temple, as bright flame, 
From Heaven upon the vi6tim came : 
Thus Love Divine fet Barthol'mew on fire, 
And made him fume towards Heaven in warm 
deiire. 



His phylacteries to recite, 

With fervent zeal, was his delight ; 

There to love God we are enjoin'd 

With all the heart, foul, ftrength, and mind, 

Command for love, he thought God well might 
fpare, 

None who God truly know, can love forbear. 

Such love, fuch heart, blefs'd Jefus knew 

Lodged in this evangelic Jew ; 

The force he of the promifed feed 

Had felt, in Jefus pre-decreed ; 
But when he blefs'd Meffias had in fight, 
His love afpired to a much nobler height. 

By Jefus' Love Nathanael fired, 

In love reciprocal tranfpired, 

Thou art the Son of God, he cried, 

By all God's lovers glorified, 
Thou art the King of Ifrael, and to Thee, 
All, who Thy fubjecls are, muft bow the knee. 

If fuch a height Nathanael gain'd 
When firft by Jefus entertain'd, 




390 



yoQooox( 




THE APOSTLE. 



Who can his elevations guefs, 
When daily he had free accefs ; 
But on the Crofs when great God-man expired, 
His love a martyr's altitude acquired. 

But well he weigh'd that God difclaim'd 

A facrifice deform'd or maim'd ; 

With that he fearch'd his heart anew ; 

And God, who beft the traitor knew, 
He humbly importuned to guide his eye, 
That no one fin might undifcover'd lie. 

When he had full difcoveries made, 
And every labyrinth furvey'd, 
Had no known fin left unbemoan'd, 
And with frefh tears had God atoned, 

Tears which from pardoning Love were now 
derived, 

Which, as they fweetly dropp'd, his heart revived. 

His heart from fin and guile refined, 
He then for holocauft defign'd, 
Which, while 'twas on the Altar raifed, 
And all with Love celeftial blazed, 
Himfelf, the prieft, fell proftrate on the floor, 
And thus began acceptance to implore. 

O gracious God, I at Thy Throne 
Devote my all, which is Thy own, 



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My mind Thy holy word to heed, 
And relifh every truth I read ; 

Thought, which to meditation I'll enu; 

And memory, known duties to fecure. 



A Lp> Purified fancy, to exclude 

The ills and errors which intrude, 
My fenfes, duly to be drain'd 
From filth, and from excefs reftrain'd ; 
Will, which to Thee entirely mall propend, 
And paffions, on my will to co-attend. 

I, all I am, to Thee refign, 
Thou art my God, I, Lord, am Thine, 
My love with conftant, filial awe, 
Shall pay regard to all Thy law, 
And live in languor till my blifs commence, 
That it may be unchangeably intenfe. 

J Tis all I have, that all, accept, 
O may that all by Thee be kept 5 
In my own keeping mould it ftay, 
'Twill tempted be to go aftray. 
The holocauft had no referve of ill, 
God ne'er rejects a confecrated will. 

When from His grave blefs'd Jefus rear'd, 
To His dear Tfraelite appear'd, 
And he, with eyes on Heaven intent, 
Spectator ftood of His afcent, 



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392 






THE APOSTLE. 



His love to humble, full affurance rofe, 
And long'd for Heaven all others to dlfpofe. 

In ftory though we little read, 
Told of the Ifraelite indeed, 
Yet learn, that he the Indians taught, 
St. Matthew's gofpel thither brought, 
And left with them that evangelic code, 
To guide them, whenfoe'er he changed abode. 

Towards Phrygia then he journey made, 
Till at Hierapolis he ftay'd, 
Nathanael there dear Philip join'd, 
Was overjoy'd his friend to find ; 
But both by Pagans foon were doom'd to die, 
Both pleafed they mould to Heaven together fly. 

Blefs'd Philip, welcoming his fate, 
Soon enter'd the fupernal gate ; 
Nathanael on the crofs was laid, 
But Pagans, of God's wrath afraid 
For guiltlefs blood they had profufely (bed, 
Spared him, not out of love, but prefent dread. 

The devils next to hell he chafed, 
In Lycaonian temples placed , 
His courfe then to Albania fteer'd, 
Where curfed idols domineer'd ; 
There on the crofs, his love furmounting pang, 
He cheer'd the faints, and his own requiem fang. 




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ST. MATTHEW 



All praife to God for this great Saint, 
Whofe heart of guile abhorr'd the taint ; 
May we by his example train'd, 
Keep hearts by wilful guilt unftain'd : 
At the great day, when all their dooms fhall hear, 
None on the right fhall ftand but the fincere. 



ST. MATTHEW THE APOSTLE. 

THOUGH votaries, whom our Lord defign'd 
To preach falvation to mankind, 
Might in the world's efteem 
But defpicable feem, 
Yet none was hated and infame, 
Till Matthew had enroll'd his name. 

Our Lord, when waiving worldly wife, 

He call'd illiterate men to rife 
To apoftolic height, 
In weaknefs fhew'd His might ; 

But boundlefs mercy He difclofed, 

When Matthew He for Heaven difpofed. 

The Publicans deep gored the foul 
Of every Jew, in gathering toll, 

By their curfed avarice fway'd, 

They on their country prey'd \ 










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THE APOSTLE. 



The Jews themfelves from them eftranged, 
With finners, harlots, heathens ranged. 

Such Matthew was before his call, 
When fet in his extorting flail, 

While Jefus paffing by, 

Upon him caft His eye ; 
Soon as He, Follow Me, had faid, 
He rofe, and leaving all, obey'd. 

Strange Voice ! which more Divine appear'd 
Than that which once dead Lazarus rear'd, 

He in the grave enclofed, 

Ne'er Jefus' call oppofed, 
While Matthew's mafters, wealth, account, 
Its force contended to furmount. 



But when Almighty Love eflays 
A foul from ghoftly death to raife, 

It in reluctant wills 

Propenfion fweet inftils, 
Its calls have a creative force, 
Which is of life and love the fource. 

Such was the call, which at firft thought 
The wondrous change in Matthew wrought ; 

From earth he turn'd his view, 

To wealth antarctic grew, 
His Pagan mafters he difclaim'd, 
Stark cold before, was now inflamed. 




395 




ST. MATTHEW 



He to the Romans paid their due, 
And fatisfled each injured Jew, 
Then choice fedate to mew, 
Ere he would all forego, 
For friends he made a farewell treat, 
Where Jefus deign'd to take His feat. 



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The Pharifees, who thither came, 
Began our Gracious Lord to blame, 

That He with Him to fit 

Should Publicans permit ; 
Sure Heaven that day their tongues controll'd, 
That Jefus thus might Love unfold. 

Phyficians needlefs to the whole, 
Are ufed by the unhealthy foul. 

Sin is the foul difeafe, 

Wont on mankind to feize ; 
I finners to repentance call, 
But none can rife, who never fall. 

Come finners, who incur the hate 
Of God and man, avert your fate ; 

Our Jefus for your fakes, 

His Paflion undertakes ; 
He calls, O come, He'll give you reft, 
You'll live, like Matthew, ever bleft. 

From worldly clogs, blefs'd Matthew loofe, 
Devoted all to facred ufe, 



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396 



THE APOSTLE. 



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That, Follow Me, his ear, 

Seem'd every day to hear, 
His utmoft zeal he ftrove to bend, 
Towards Jefus' likenefs to afcend. 

His zeal firft in Judaea reign'd, 
Then Ethiopian conquefts gain'd, 
Made warlike Parthian race 
The peaceful truth embrace ; 
Turn'd Perfians from their idol flame, 
To worfhip the Triunal Name. 

Whether with Pagan rage opprefs'd, 
By martyrdom he flew to reft, 

No certainties we find, 

But from his will refign'd, 
We know, though he might fcape the fire, 
He lived a martyr in defire. 

His body daily down he beat, 

He fenfual turn'd to heavenly heat, 

On herbs, roots, berries fed, 

Of carnal felf in dread ; 
And He a martyr's death fupplied, 
By living ftill felf- crucified. 

When from Judaea he retired, 
He wrote his book, by Heaven infpired, 
That faints the truth they knew 
Might keep in lively view ; 



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ST. MATTHEW 



The Church has there celeftial ftores, 
And ftill for Matthew God adores. 

When other faints him Matthew ftyle, 
In his own fight he humbly vile, 

To keep of his offence 

True penitential fenfe, 
And boundlefs mercy to proclaim, 
Of Publican retains the name 



What mighty turns recorded be, 
When Jefus utter'd, Follow Me ! 
The fame He ftill repeats, 
Still Wifdom walks the ftreets, 
Where'er we go, (he's in our eyes, 
Though few attend her gracious cries. 

God by His word, priefts, holy rites, 
And inward movements, fouls excites, 
By promife and by threat, 
By woes which them befet, 
By patience, which their doom delays, 
By numberlefs endearing rays. 

God fweetly calls us every day, 
Why mould we then our blifs delay ? 
He calls to endlefs light, 
Why mould we love the night ? 
Should we one call but duly heed, 
It would to joys eternal lead. 



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THE APOSTLE. 



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How God's converting calls confpire 

With our free-wills ? fond men inquire ; 
By tafte, we know their force 
Much more than by difcourfe ; 

Each call to beatific fight, 

Conveys a correfponding might. 

Let Pagans then our Saint upbraid, 
That he a folly ram betray'd, 

That moment to forfake 

His all, as Jefus fpake, 
Ah ! had they heard that heavenly Voice, 
They would have made like heavenly choice. 

All praife to God for Matthew's care, 
Truth evangelic to declare ; 

When on His Sacred Book, 

I fix my heedful look, 
By Jefus* copy, which he drew, 
May I my faded foul renew. 



Praife, Lord, to Thee, for Matthew's call, 
At which he left his wealthy all ; 

At Thy next call may I 

Myfelf and world deny ; 
Thou, Lord, even now art calling me, 
I'll now leave all, and follow Thee. 




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399 




ST. MICHAEL AND 



ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS. 



BLESS'D angels, whether you on high 
Adore the great Tri-unity, 
Or here on faints below 
Your guardian cares beftow ; 
We keep this day, to take review 
Of all the bleilings we receive by you. 

Your ftations in the heavenly fphere, 
Your fpirits from dull matter clear, 

Your beatific fight, 

Your intellectuals bright, 
Your wills to central God inclined, 
Your love from mutability refined ; 

Your zeal devout, which never tires, 
Your concerts on celeftial lyres, 
Your converfations fweet, 
When you each other greet ; 
Your hymns to glorify God's Name, 
Which while you fpend them, re-enforce your 
flame. 

Your glorious conquefts o'er damn'd ghofts, 
Who durft defy your loyal hofts, 

Rays fupplemental gain'd, 

When you the rebels chain'd, 



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ALL ANGELS. 



With all that God to you imparts, 
We now congratulate with joyful hearts. 

With grateful reverence we own 
Your love to God Incarnate (hewn, 

You to the Virgin blefs'd, 

The wondrous news exprefs'd, 
You bright'ning Bethlehemitic plains, 
Proclaim'd His birth in hymn to humble fwains. 

You in the wafle to Him appear'd, 
You Him, when agonizing, cheer'd ; 

You worfhip to Him paid ; 

He in your arms was ftay'd ; 
Twelve legions on the heavenly line, 
Drew up to aid Him, had He made the fign. 

You kept the grave where He repofed, 
His glorious Rifing you difclofed ; 

You to the mountain went, 

Attending His Afcent, 
You fhall the trump to judgment found, 
And with obfequious wings the judge furround. 

You on the heirs of Heaven attend, 
To comfort, counfel, warn, defend, 

You in their infant age, 

To tender them engage, 
You quicken faints who grow remifs, 
And you at death tranfport their fouls to blifs. 



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ST MICHAEL AND 



You Abraham of a fon afTured, 

You Lot from Sodom's flames fecured, 

You blefs'd Elijah fed, 

You circle a faint's bed, 
To work our blifs ? to guard from woe, 
You the expanfe pafs hourly to and fro. 

You in the furnace cool'd the faints, 
You kept fierce lions in reftraints ; 
You Peter freed when chain'd, 
You Paul in ftorm fuftain'd, 
You God's high Will in dreams detect, 
You pious fouls to faithful guides direct. 

You in God's houfe trifagions 1 fing, 
You veil your rays with awful wing, 
Our temples you frequent, 
Devotion to foment, 
God's boundlefs wifdom there to hear, 
Myfterious truths to learn and to revere. 

Your piercing eyes infpecl: our ways, 
You fing for our converfion praife, 

You, all the faints you meet, 

Like fellow-fervants treat, 

At the great day, of all the juft 

You mail colled the diffipated duft. 

The great ufurper in the fkies, 
The murderer, the fource of lies, 

1 Trifagions , A hymn in the Eaftern Liturgy. 




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With all his legions dire, 
Which in our bane confpire, 
By force, injection, fnare or wile, 
Souls to o'erpower, delude, pollute, beguile ; 

Would foon the Church in pieces rend, 
Did not you angels it befriend ; 

You watchers ready ftand, 

To check the hellifh band, 
You their outrageous fpite confine, 
To bounds permitted by the Will Divine. 

In dragon's fhape, when Satan raved, 
And with his legions Michael braved, 

Seven-headed, and ten-horn'd, 

With glaring crowns adorn'd ; 
Bright Michael's troops upon them fell, 
And fpurn'd the monfter with his crew to hell. 

You execute juft God's decrees, 
When He obdurate finners fees ; 

You low proud Herod laid, 

Till worms upon him prey'd ; 
You down the hoft AfTyrian mow'd, 
And Judah's plains with their dead foes beltrow'd, 

Great God ! for aid, and for defence, 
Which angels in our need difpenfe, 

For bleflings never known, 

Innumerable grown, 




403 




Our hymn we to Thy Altar bring, 
O had we angels' tongues, Thy praife to fing 

Blefs'd Jefus ! 'tis Thy Will that we 
In duty fhould like angels be ; 
They always Thee behold, 
They ne'er in hymn grow cold ; 
They all Thy attributes admire, 
Their loves towards an infinity afpire. 

They live in an immenfe delight, 
At Thy command take fpeedy flight ; 
O may we grace derive 
From Thee, my God, to ftrive, 
That we fincere, like angels may 
Contemplate, hymn, admire, love, joy, obey. 

You moft my love, blefs'd fpirits, gain'd, 
By your adoring the Lamb flain ; 
Dear Jefus' dolorous fmart 
Lies ever next my heart ; 
When to your confort I afcend, 
On Jefus' Love, eternity I'll fpend. 

The Lamb for you ne'er fhed His Gore ; 
Yet the Lamb {lain you all adore, 

Rapt with a juft efteem 

Of that endearing theme, 
Our indevotion you upbraid, 
Who mind fo little fuch a ranfom paid. 




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You Tons of God, like us, are ftyled, 
We rife above the rank of child. 

Great Godhead condefcends 

To call the faithful friends; 
More love from us to God is due, 
Since we are more immenfely loved than you. 

Guardian, when chill my love mall grow, 
Up to frefh flame the embers blow; 

Chide warmly my neglect, 

And your own love trajecl: ; 
Or rather fing of the Lamb flain, 
And love, though dying, will revive again. 



ST. LUKE THE EVANGELIST. 

FAIR Antioch, the rich, the great, 
Of learning the imperial feat, 
You readily inclined 
To light, which on you mined, 
It foon fhot up to a meridian flame, 
You firft baptized it with a Chriftian name. 

To keep your fouls on truth intent, 
Saints of firft magnitude were fent, 
When Barnabas and Saul 
Renew'd your heavenly call ; 






405 




ST. LUKE 



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Luke rapt at Jefus' Love, who came to fave, 
Himfelf a holocauft to Jefus gave. 

Luke, fuperfluently fired, 
Straight from all worldly cares retired, 
To holy Paul adhered, 
Grew daily more endear'd ; 
He his new-birth to that apoftle owed, 
And filial love to his converter fhow'd. 

Luke in your academy train'd, 
A mighty ftock of learning gain'd ; 
Yet by his genius led, 
He chiefly Phyfic read ; 
He that one fcience as his bufinefs plied, 
And all the reft as his diverfions eyed. 

Oft have I heard injurious fame, 
For unbelief phyficians blame ; 
But they, of all mankind, 
If their own views they mind, 
Meet, like blefs'd Luke, fuch confluential woes, 
As natively for ferious thought difpofe. 

Luke, who difeafe was wont to trace, 
Through hofpitals of human race, 
Oft heard fad wretches cry, 
Yet could no help apply, 
His art he knew conjecture at the beft, 
And with fome ills no medicine could conteft. 



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THE EVANGELIST. 



Oft pierced with agonizing groan, 
He ftudied topics to eafe moan ; 
Yet found them all in vain 
To quell infulting pain ; 
Men muft, he thought, tyrannic fate endure, 
Or by felf-murder drive to work their cure. 

Self-murder feem'd the readieft way, 
But mould there come a judgment-day, 
'Twere then no eafe to die, 
'Twould dangerous be to try; 
Thus Pagans rolling on a dolorous bed, 
Felt Life a torment, and yet Death a dread. 

Paul fill'd with wifdom from on high, 
Which could the very thoughts defcry, 
With fuch fweet timely force, 
Attemper'd his difcourfe, 
That he, his catechumen to perfuade, 
His own experience, his conviction made. 

You, fon, faid he, by vifits know 
The ills your patients undergo ; 
With them you fympathize, 
When nought you can advife ; 
When a diftemper baffles all your fkill, 
You never traced the fountain of the ill. 



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Then he began from man's pure ftate, 
His deviation to relate, 




407 



ST. LUKE 



How foon as Adam fell, 
Curfed fin with death and hell, 
O'erwhelm'd lapfed man with coetaneous rage, 
S II And ever fince to plague him co-engage. 

How Filial God came from His Throne, 
Paternal Godhead to atone, 
How He for finners bled, 
Hung crucified and dead, 
How rofe again, how back to Heaven He flew, 
Sin, death, and hell, on purpofe to fubdue. 

How mifery, difeafe, and pain, 
The dire effects of fin remain, 
How, when for fin we grieve, 
Full pardon we receive 
For Jefus' fake, how when we Jefus pleafe, 
He fweetens all our mifery, pain, difeafe. 

Blefs'd Jefus came to make us whole, 
He's the Phyfician of the foul, 
He cures a wounded heart, 
Beyond all human art, 
And when He fweetly has their grief fupprefs'd, 
Tranflates His patients to eternal reft. 

That Great Phyfician, Luke revered, 
Attently the Apoftle heard, 

He in his heart enroll'd 

Each fyllable he told ; 



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408 








THE EFANGELIsr. 



Oft begg'd he that dear ftory would repeat, 
His evangelic volume to complete. 

When Luke that Blefs'd Phyfician knew, 
Hippocrates away he threw, 
He learn'd fick fouls to fave, 
He ghoftly phyfic gave ; 
And joy'd when he one foul recover'd, more 
Than in a thoufand fick he cured before. 

In danger, trouble, prifon, toil, 
Luke never would from Paul recoil, 
He, loved phyfician ftyled, 
Through regions vaft and wild, 
As fellow-labourer, fpent with him his days, 
And in the Gofpel has immortal praife. 

He pray'd for Paul, when kneeling down 
To lofe his head and gain a crown ; 
He faw his chariot fly, 
Up to his throne on high, 
Which made through the expanfe a wake more 

bright, 
Than that Elias left along his flight. 

Since that, blefs'd Saint, how long, and where, 
You fpent your charitable care, 
Whether you martyr fell, 
No certain ftories tell -, 
Yet this we know, though none your a&s atteft, 
Your zeal for faving fouls could never reft. 




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The force of that unwearied zeal 
The faints ftill in your gofpel feel ; 
There Jefus' wonders ftand, 
Recorded by your hand ; 
From that original all fouls devout 
Have ever fince their Saviour copied out. 

Next, to the life you ftrove to paint 
Your apoftolic martyr'd faint, 
And to all future view 
The Church in landfcape drew, 
How when the Heavenly Dove His effluence fhed, 
In a fhort time the Light celeftial fpread. 

Though you your facred books defign'd 
For all who things fupernal mind, 
Yet one above the reft 
Lay neareft to your breaft, 
Theophilus, for rare example famed, 
Whom juftly you moft excellent have named. 

Some Antiochian, rich and great, 
With ftyle of excellent, you treat, 
Theophilus implies 
One who for Heaven is wife, 
Who from evanid things withdraws his love, 
To fix it on its centre, God above. 

Blefs'd Union ! where are reconciled, 
The faint, and noble, great and mild, 




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4T0 



THE EVANGELIST. 



Where rich to trace incline, 

Benignity divine ; 
Wealth when an idol made, hell-flame enfures, 
W'hen facrifice, it heavenly blifs procures. 

All praife to God, Who Luke refined, 

To turn phyfician of the mind, 

To picture in true light, 

Blefs'd Jefus to our fight ; 

May truth medicinal, which he fupplies, 

Our fouls reftore, our love immortalize. 



^ 



ST. SIMON AND ST. JUDE, APOSTLES. 

OHOLY Church, whom we refpecT:, 
As Mother of all fouls elecl:, 
Even angels, who repair 
To your reforts of prayer, 
To turn your catechumens, all combine, 
And learn the wifdom of the gracious Trine. 

Two Saints this feftival are join'd, 
For meditation both defign'd ; 
Such unions to our eyes, 
Some leflbns fignalize ; 
What is that leflbn, bleffed Mother, fay, 
Which mould emply our folemn day ? 




4.11 




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ST. SIMON AND 



Gift, miracle, example, grace, 
In each apoftle, we can trace -, 
You fomething elfe intend, 
When two you recommend -, 
And when the Sacred Hiftory I read, 
I guefs what you defign your fons mould heed. 

Curfed heretics of old you knew, 
From Pagan fchools who poifon drew, 
While they indulge their luft, 
To marriage were unjuft ; 
You married Jude, with Virgin Simon join, 
To fhew both ftates may mare in Love Divine. 

Blefs'd Jude his confort with him led, 
Both undefiled preferved their bed ; 
Both all exceffes fear'd, 
Each other both revered ; 
Celeftial Love entirely both enflamed, 
Both co-harmonious at God's glory aim'd. 

No wilful fin they could endure, 
Both kept for God His temples pure. 
Both the vain world forfook, 
Both flx'd on Heaven their look, 
And like the faints in beatific light, 
Both would each other to God's praife excite. 

With co-united hearts they pray'd, 
They two a congregation made, 




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ST. JUDE, APOSTLES. 



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Aflured from what God fpake, 
That He the third would make ; 
When facred hunger feized them, they both fed, 
With heavenly pleafure on immortal bread. 

Both would to fhort recefs confent, 
To be in prayer and fafting fpent ; 
The oftener they withdrew, 
Still eafier parting grew ; 
Though death awhile their union might untie, 
It would indifloluble be on high. 

Both joy'd in children God had fent, 
Which would the quire above augment ; 
The virtues they pofTefs'd, 
They on their line imprefs'd, 
And in fhort time two of their hallow'd race 
Of martyrdom received the glorious grace. 

Blefs'd Jude in the infpired record 
Is ftyled the brother of our Lord, 
He Jefus copied out, 
To do good went about, 
O'er the Judaean and Samarian lands, 
O'er Syrian, Lybian, and Arabian fands. 

His confort to his fide adhered, 
No danger, hardfhip, trouble fear'd, 

They to each other paid 

Sweet mutual comfort, aid, 




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She as a common, tender nurfe, relieved 

All who were fick, pain'd, naked, hungry, grieved. 

To Perfia Jude at laft removed, 
Their rites idolatrous reproved, 
Till they his death decreed, 
For Jefus glad to bleed, 
And if his deareft confort him furvived, 
She joy'd that he at blifs was firft arrived. 

Since then, the apoftolic ftate 
Suits with a matrimonial mate, 
Why mould we priefts decry, 
Engaged in facred tie, 
In innocence 'twas blefs'd, by none reviled, 
But thofe who with foul luft, chafte love defiled. 

Good Simon honour'd that dear pair, 
Knew fuch examples were but rare, 
Saw few of womankind 
From vanity refined : 
He fear'd the avocations of a wife, 
And facrificed to God a Virgin life. 

He ftill the angels kept in mind, 
To their fimilitude inclined, 
Whene'er they of the fair 
AfTumed the guardian care, 
They with no fenfual tendencies were fired, 
And Simon to like purity afpired. 



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414 



ST. JUDE, APOSTLES. 



The angels who this earth frequent, 
Are (till on God above intent, 
Their Heaven they cannot mifs, 
God's pleafure is their blifs ; 
Simon, led by illuminations bright, 
Pray'd more for will refign'd than blifsful fight. 

His angel for his friend he chofe, 
Who mould for God his friend difpofe, 
In faints their nuptial knots 
Are foil'd with venial fpots, 
For were that paffion, like angelic Love, 
Saints married here, re-marry would above. 

The angels who no offspring have, 
Delight in every foul they fave, 
And with harmonious voice 
Their brethren co-rejoice : 
Blefs'd Simon's children were the fouls he gain'd, 
For whom he guardian tendernefs retain'd. 

The angels freed from earthly weights, 
No clog their fpeed to Heaven abates, 
Simon with treatment rude 
His body had fubdued, 
That he his flefh might immaterialize, 
And it to Heaven might unobftru&ed rife. 

No worldly cares the angels know, 
On God they all their powers beftow, 




4'5 



6^M^ 





ST. SIMON AND 



They love, fing hymns, obey, 

Thus fpend eternal day ; 
And Simon from ufurping paffions clear, 
Loved, hymn'd, obey'd, alacrious and fincere. 

The angels fent from God on high, 
Unwearied o'er all regions fly, 
Simon no toil declined, 
For miffion when defign'd, 
To favage Africans he truth declared, 
With holy Jude in Perfian conqueft fhared. 

From thence he took remoter flight, 
Difleminating heavenly Light. 
Till he from martyr's fate, 
Rofe to his Throne of State ; 
And various lands lay to his relics claim, 
Beyond rich mummies all embalm his name. 

Seven lamps were by two branches fill'd 
With oil which from them both diftill'd, 
The apoftolic two 
Thus med celeftial dew ; 
They lamps, which in their churches fhined, fup- 

plied, 
That faving truth mould ever bright abide. 

Jude wondering why our Lord His ray 
Should not to all the world difplay, 

Blefs'd Jefus waived the thought, 

And Love celeftial taught, 




11 



416 



ST. JUDE, APOSTLES. 



That Love would into glad obedience melt, 
And God Triune in every lover dwelt. 

From the fame Source of Love immenfe 
Blefs'd Simon drew a love intenfe, 
He juftly Zealot named 
With love more vigorous flamed, 
Such as blefs'd Jefus in God's Houfe devour'd, 
When He profaners with His whip o'erpower'd. 

For Jefus, Jude true zeal exprefs'd, 
Which made him heretics deteft ; 
But a compaffion fweet 
Attemper'd ftill his heat, 
He pitied all whom in the fire he faw, 
And out with gentle hand would finners draw. 

Blefs'd Simon's indignation rofe 
To fee vile mortals God oppofe, 
To jealoufy propenfe, 
At every bold offence, 
The name of Jealous, God Himfelf aflumed, 
And Simon's love with hallow 'd anger fumed. 

With love his facred writings Jude 
Took care to preface and conclude ; 
He Jefus' Love adored, 
Which had fall'ii man reftored, 
He to that Love himfelf and faints refign'd 
In which God overflow'd to loft mankind. 




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4.17 



ALL SAINTS DAT. 



Simon, when Jefus' Love he weigh'd, 
His facred anger was allay'd, 
His heart for finners bled, 
Soft tears for them he fried, 
When he in penitential tears was drench'd, 
His indignation was that moment quench'd. 

On the fame day both breathed their laft, 
To Heaven they with their angels paft, 
They crown'd with treble rays, 
Began high fongs of praife ; 
The faint, apoftle, martyr, in both mined, 
Each title had peculiar joys aflign'd. 

We treble praife, Lord, fing below, 
For joys which thofe bright faints o'erflow 
May we, like that blefs'd two, 
Give Thee all honour due, 
Though martyr and apoftle are too high, 
O may we learn like faints to live and die. 



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ALL SAINTS DAY. 

YE Spirits ever-blefs'd, 
Of joys fupernal now poffefs'd, 
To whatfoe'er degree 
Of blifs you elevated be, 



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Whether you there difplay 
A lunar, folar, ftarry ray, 
You from the faints who died this Vigil know, 
We now begin your feftival below. 

Whether you have your poft 
In fplendid vefts among the hoft, 
Which milky fteeds beftrides, 
And whom the Word Eternal guides, 

Or you the train compofe 
Which join the Lamb where'er He goes, 
Or in this blood have wafh'd your mantles white, 
Or in your fronts are feal'd with glories bright ; 

Whether fince life's fweet clofe 
In Abraham's bofom you repofe, 

In the third Heaven remain, 
Or happy Paradife regain, 
In outward court abide, 
Or in the temple-walls refide, 
Or near the Throne enjoy the blifsful fight, 
Or in the quire with feraphims unite, 

This day all God's firft-born, 
With their affembly muft adorn, 

All Jefus' heavenly fold, 
In regifter of life enroll'd, 

All fpirits of the juft, 
Who have fhook off their mortal duft, 
Triumphant Church with militant muft join, 
To make an offering at the Throne Divine. 




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ALL SAINTS DAT. 



You blefled faints on high 
Have always Jefus in your eye, 

You fee His Love to thofe 
Who His unbounded Love oppofe, 

You with a zeal devout 
Strive that pure Love to copy out, 
And you no fooner take to Heaven your flight, 
But charity attains perfection's height. 

You in the happy fphere 
Cannot forget this vale of tear, 
You know the conflicts well 
We have with flefh, the world and hell, 

You fafe the gulf have (hot, 
Eternal glory is your lot, 
You on the dangers think yourfelves have felt, 
And for our ftate with dear companion melt. 

Blefs'd fouls, with fervour ftrong, 
Under the Altar cry, How long ! 

And if you never ceafe, 
When in the realm of love and peace, 

God's vengeance to implore 
On tyrants drunk with martyrs' gore, 
Much rather you for faithful brethren pray, 
Since charity with you has fovereign fway. 

Though in your bounded fphere 
You cannot fingle votaries hear, 

And we in no diftrefs 
To fingle faints make our addrefs ; 




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ALL SAINTS DAT. 



Yet if, like you, we heed 
The faints' communion in our creed, 
We of each others' ftate have general view, 
You pray for us, and we give thanks for you. 

To your affiftance, all 
The minifterial angels call, 

That they may ready ftand, 
Each with his cenfer in his hand, 
Search heavenly fpheres around, 
Till the gold vials all are found •> 
Them and your cenfers fill till they o'erflow 
With your fweet, odorous prayers, for us below. 

Your love we to repay, 
Will for your confummation pray, 

For haftening the laft doom, 
That you your flefh may reaffume, 

For which you groanings have, 
Till it gets freedom from the grave, 
That death may vanquifh'd lie beneath your feet, 
And blifs in Chrift-like bodies be complete. 

In praife, as well as prayer, 
We all defire with you to (hare ; 

Your joys in blifsful light 
To everlafting hymn excite ; 
From you we borrow fire, 
And to your pitch of hymn afpire ; 
Forfinglefongs fince you're too numerous grown, 
We bring our univerfal to the throne. 




4.2. 




ALL SAINTS DAY. 



The God of Love be praifed 
For all the faints to glory raifed ; 
For patriarchs, who mankind 
From their congenial drofs refined ; 

For prophets, who of old 
Glad tidings to the world foretold ; 
For blefs'd apoflles, who convey'd the found 
Of faving-truth to the terraqueous bound. 

For all, who wealth profufe 
Employ' d on charitable ufe ; 

For faints' firm faith and hope, 
Their courage with hell powers to cope ; 

Their patience, will refign'd, 
Their ardent love, and heavenly mind, 
Their temper humble, fweet, benign, and mild, 
For all characleriftics of God's child. 

For all, who virgins died, 
And fenfual appetites denied ; 

For martyrs, who at ftake 
Devoted lives for Jems' fake ; 

For confeflbrs, who flood 
Heaven's candidates to fried their blood ; 
For holy paftors, whofe unwearied aim 
Was fouls from fin and error to reclaim. 

For every gift and grace 
Of the Chrift-imitating race, 

Their writings or difcourfe, 
Their gracious wonder-working force, 



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422 




ALL SAINTS DAT, 



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Their toils, griefs, various needs, 
In fowing evangelic feeds, 
Their prayers, example, and intrepid zeal, 
And horrid tortures on the rack and wheel. 

For thefe, and all their ftore 
Of virtues, Lord, we Thee adore ; 

To Thee is glory due, 
From Thee they ghoftly vigour drew, 

They on this mortal ftage 
Lived bleffings to all future age : 
O while their bright ideas we revive, 
May we to emulate their virtues ftrive. 

Blefs'd fpirits, you and we 
Make one celeftial family ; 
One Father we revere, 
To one Fraternal Love adhere, 

You are in happy ftate, 
Our blifs is only inchoate : 
O may we ftrangers here, this world repel, 
And with our heavenly brethren chiefly dwell. 

Of all the places here 
None pictures the celeftial fphere 

More than God's Houfe of Prayer, 
When faithful fouls fing praifes there ; 

When Heaven and earth confpire 
In one harmonious hymning quire : 
O may we, free from wilful, fenfual taints, 
Live in communion with fupernal faints. 



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ALL SAINTS DAT. 



When fouls to you take wing, 
You in a hymn their welcome fing ; 

And we, in humble lays, 
Congratulate your heavenly rays, 

One facred hymn, like you, 
We here inceflantly renew, 
And all our powers to utmoft vigour ftrain, 
To fing the Lamb of God, for finners (lain. 

Should Heav'n its doors unfold, 
I then, like John, might blifs behold, 
Where faints on thrones fit down, 
In Chrift-like robe, and radiant crown, 

High favours, never known 
To angels, but to faints alone ; 
Even angels, on throned, robed, crown'd faints 

attend, 
And ne'er to joys which Jefus bought afcend. 

Saints there new anthems fing, 
Drink at the pure, immortal fpring, 

Make their approaches free 
To the life-giving, loaded Tree , 

They crop unftinted fhares 
In the twelve pleafant fruits it bears ; 
In all-fufficient God they acquiefce, 
They cannot wifh for more, or fink to lefs. 



O would fome happy friend 
A harp celeftial to me lend, 








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HOLT BAPTISM. 



To the harmonious ftring, 
Like you, blefs'd faints, I'd ftrive to fing, 

But as I muft defpair 
To reach on earth your heavenly air, 

I fhall languifh till with you above, 

1 at your height fhall harp, fing, joy and love. 



HOLY BAPTISM. 

BLESS'D hour ! when I was born again, 
And cleanfed from either guilt or ftain ; 
I then, adorn'd with Chrift's dear Name, 
To Chrift-like blifs had Chrift-like claim ; 
Myfelf in the baptifmal wave 
A holocauft to God I gave. 

The Heaven-born Love which me then fired 

Should have to native Heaven afpired, 

But woe is me my pond us turn'd, 

And with ftrange fire my offering burn'd, 

A fenfual mift eclipfed my mind, 

My will from God to fin declined. 

I when at font a new-born child, 
Great God, my God, my Father ftyled ; 
But foon as filial love and dread 
From my degenerate foul were fled, 
I felt my fins' companion, Shame, 
I durft not ufe that gracious name : 




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HO/,r BAPTISM. 



While Shame yet in my foul remain'd, 

Tears foon might have my fteps regain'd ; 

Shame for prefervative decreed, 

That Chriftians might from filth be freed, 

Hell is of fouls but half pofiefs'd, 

While Shame lurks in the finner's breaft. 

But when my fpirit ihame erafed, 

And harden'd was to fin barefaced, 

'Tis from that moment I muft date 

My provocation of God's hate ; 

I confcience damp'd, my heart grew ftone, 

And Satan claim' d me for his own. 

My vow of duty which I made, 

I to God's adverfary paid, 

And a vile flavery endured, 

To hell, world, luft, which I abjured ; 

Renouncing joys of heavenly blifs, 

For torments in the dark abyfs. 

An indeliberate thought arofe 
Of death and everlafting woes, 
Can I at judgment day appear, 
And, " Go ye curfed," fearlefs hear ? 
I fain would have the thought fupprefs'd, 
But ftill it ftirr'd, and gave no reft. 

Since pure Philanthropy Divine 
Did not to duty me incline, 




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426 



CONFIRMATION. 



It pleafed God horrors to inftil, 
Which fliould deter my foul from ill ; 
Yet from foft Love thofe terrors came, 
At once to frighten and enflame. 

From holy fear love filial grew, 

Made me baptifmal vow renew : 

Let Heaven and earth mv vow atteft, 

And hymn God's Love which me thus blefs'd. 

Lord, keep alive my Chriftian flame, 

With Chrift-like love, and Chrift-like aim. 






CONFIRMATION. 

UNCTION the Chriftian name implies, 
In that a Chriftian's fafety lies : 
The Holy Ghoft on Jems' Head 
Unmeafurable graces fhed ; 
His Unction's influential force 
Of all His actions fteer'd the courfe. 

Chriftians, who Chrift's anointed are, 
In His celeftial Un£tion fhare ; 
The Spirit templing in their hearts, 
His all-fufficient aid imparts, 
The Chriftian feels no wants, no fears, 
By UncSlion who to Chrift adheres. 




427 




CONFIRMATION. 



Perfons and things, to God applied, 
Were by anointing fan&ified ; 
To turn them to a worldly ufe 
Was facrilegious abufe. 
Chriftians, when they to fin decline, 
Lofe Unction, and their name divine. 

When Pagan tyrants fceptres fway'd, 
The Chriftian name a crime was made ; 
But Christians gloried in that ftyle, 
They heard the infidels revile ; 
Chriflians in tortures' dire effort, 
Felt from their name ftrong fweet fupport. 

As odorous ointment pour'd on fores 
Diffufes kindly through the pores, 
Enlivens, fupples, heals, and cheers, 
By gentle force the cure endears ; 
The Chriftians thus their Unction find 
Cures all difeafes of the mind. 

O may I, with a faith unfeign'd, 
Preferve my Chriftian name unftain'd ! 
To copy Chrift, O may 1 Strive, 
From Whom I that dear name derive ! 
And die, when death fhall me arreft, 
A Chriftian with Chrift's Unftion bleft. 




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THE EUCHARIST. 



THE EUCHARIST. 



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T ESU, I in Thy Gofpel read 
^ That ere Thou didft for finners bleed, 
Thou didft the Eucharift ordain, 

Souls to fuftain. 

From the blefs'd Table Thou didft go 
To Thy ftrong agonizing woe, 
Thence humble, meek, refign'd, fedate, 
Thy death await. 

Thy foul Thou at Thy dolorous end 
Didft to paternal God commend, 
And of pure Love to Thy great Sire, 
Martyr expire. 

Adoring Him with filial dread, 

Thou on the Crofs didft bow Thy Head, 

Didft die, a Viaim to fulfil 

His gracious Will. 

Saints whom death threaten'd to invade, 
Thy Altar ftill their refuge made, 
Humbly aflured they beft could there 

For death prepare. 

Thy death was pictured in that rite, 
Thy dolours there were in their fight, 



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Dolours which all who did behold 

With tears condoled. 

Thee they not only pictured faw, 
But thence were virtue wont to draw, 
Virtue which cured all ills, 

And gain'd their wills. 

Not only virtue they pofTefs'd, 
They with Thy Flefh and Blood were blefs'd, 
They food in that myfterious treat 
Immortal eat. 

Immortal food they felt excite 

A fuper-human Chrift-like might j 

Like Thee to die in love enflamed, 

They chiefly aim'd. 

They of dire torture had no dread, 
By the Viaticum when fed ; 
They to that heavenly food inured, 

The Crofs endured. 

The Source of Life was in their breaft, 
By death they could not be diftrefs'd ; 
Death gave them of their Saviour dear 
The vifion clear. 

Death both illumined and refined 
By that inflammative the mind, 
Love watch its moft exalted height 
At Jems' fight. 



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THE EUCHARIST. 



Blefs'd age, when faints were daily fed 
With Jefus their life-giving Bread, 
Which gave them vigour ftrong and fweet, 
Grim death to meet. 

Souls now ftand trembling at death's fight, 
We want true Euchariftic might, 
Of heavenly food we them deprive, 

Scarce half alive. 

The prophet's cakes twice twenty days 
Secured his vigour from decays, 
Twice twenty years God manna rain'd, 

Which Jews fuftain'd. 

Nor cakes nor manna them fufficed, 
Their hunger them again furprifed ; 
But fouls who food immortal tafte 

Shall never wafte, 

After an abftinence fevere, 
Jonathan from his pointed fpear 
Suck'd honey drops, and his eyefight 

Grew quick and bright. 

When faints, of all their fins releafed, 
On Jefus myftically feaft, 
They relifh with immenfe delight 
Love infinite. 

Jefu, when death approach mail make, 
May I of Thy dear Self partake, 




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ABSOLUTION. 



That with a will refign'd I may 

Thy call obey. 

May I like Thee my death-pangs bear, 
Refting on God's paternal care, 
Spreading my wings to take my flight 
To blifsful fight. 

May I, like Thee, the world defpife, 
And languim till to Thee I rife ; 
In hymning Jefus, O may I 

To Jefus fly ! 



ABSOLUTION. 

THERE is a vale of tears which mountains 
bound, 
And from terreftrial profpecl wall it round, 
Where only Heaven is open to the fight, 
Where happy fouls to blifs commence their flight; 
There in a land, to the loofe world unknown, 
The awful houfe of mourning ftands alone ; 
Phylthreno, angel of repentance ftyled, 
Of afpecl: gracious, and of language mild, 
Stands at the gates, and with obliging air, 
Opens to all who to the place repair ; 
Blefs'd Jefus thither guides returning ftrays, 
And thither his new convert, John conveys : 



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432 



ABSOLUTION. 



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Phylthreno, who the loved difciple eyed, 
And his Hymnotheo penfive by his fide, 
Into a charitable tranfport breaks, 
His welcome in a hallelujah fpeaks ; 
Down in his foft embrace the youth he takes, 
Who ftraight into the houfe his entrance makes, 
While John to his Ephefian flock reflies, 
For all fpiritual needs to bring fupplies. 

The building was quadrangular, and plain 
And humble, like the fouls which there remain, 
It folemn yet moft uniform appear'd, 
The pile was all of blackeft marble rear'd, 
Which fhed inceflant tears at every pore, 
As if 'twould its inhabitants deplore \ 
'Twas cloifter-wife contrived with arches ftrong, 
Its area a fabbatic journey long, 
That all the mourners might apart abide, 
In little cells, which the whole pile divide ; 
A bible, kneeling defk, and books of prayer, 
The furniture in each apartment were ; 
Phylthreno firft into the ftorehoufe ftept, 
Which for the mourners' tears receivers kept \ 
That for the youth Phyla&er one might choofe, 
Which when retired he in his cell might ufe ; 
And a ftricl: charge he to the guardian gave, 
That he in that Hymnotheo's tears mould fave ; 
For angels, who their chryftal vials fill 
With tears, which from their penitents diftil, 
To Heaven with their dear burthens joyful fly, 




433 




ABSOLUTION. 



Grateful peace-offerings at the throne on high ! 
Phylthreno, Salvian paffing by, defcried, 
A tender, wife, experienced, ghoftly guide, 
Who of the vale poffefs'd the paftoral chair, 
Straight he refigns Hymnotheo to his care ; 
Salvian his charge with benedictions meets, 
The youth with lowly reverence Salvian treats : 
With that Phylthreno to the gate withdrew, 
While Salvian leads the youth the place to view ; 
He there conducts him to each vacant cell, 
To fay in which he moft defired to dwell : 
In this, faid he, king David was inclofed, 
And his feven penitential pfalms compofed -, 
Jeremy made his lamentations here, 
And wrote them down in overflowing tear ; 
This Peter chofe his lapfes to recall, 
And wept at each cock-crowing for his fall ; 
Magdalen's tears there from her eyes diftill'd, 
And her lachrymatory daily fill'd : 
Thefe and all other vacant cells he mows, 
The youth the cell of mournful David chofe, 
Where his fweet harp, to which his pfalms he fung, 
Which the harmonious youth well fkill'd, was 
hung. 

Each mourner there lives filent and alone, 
No noife is heard but a deep figh or groan ; 
Some on their knees abide, fome proftrate lie, 
Some various, painful, felf revenges try ; 
One wrings his hands, another fmites his breaft, 



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434- 










'OLUTION. 



Some their paft fins implacably deteft ; 
Some death and hell contemplate, to raife fear, 
Others with hopes of Heaven their fpirits cheer ; 
Some at the thoughts of the laft judgment quake, 
Backflidings make the hearts of others ache j 
Their troubled fpirits fome by weeping eafe, 
The pangs of ghoftly birth on others feize ; 
This blufhes when his eyes he heavenward rears, 
In that fhame and confufion domineers ; 
This fpirit's wounded, and that heart is broke, 
All with ftrong cries God's tendernefs invoke ; 
There evil fpirits at a diftance ftand, 
Kept from the cells by God's propitious hand ; 
Should they the penitents' confemons hear, 
Where all the fecrets of their hearts appear, 
Temptations they would form, fize, fuit, adulfe, 
Too ftrong for man to conquer or repulfe. 

A garden in the arches lay enclofed, 
Which at firft view for ferious thought difpofed ; 
Sepulchral cyprefs, laurel, pine, and bays, 
Yew, and all trees, whofe verdure ne'er decays, 
Are planted in long rows where mourners walk, 
And of their inward griefs condoling talk ; 
While others into grots obfcure retire, 
And, unobferved, to Heaven in fighs afpire ; 
Tall weeping trees in every quarter ftand, 
And water with continual tears the land ; 
Such as in torrid iflands men defcry, [fupply : 
Whofe dropping boughs the want of fhowers 



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435 



SS) 




ABSOLUTION. 



Arbours are there of cloie and iblemn (hade, 
For recollection and retirement made ; 
There folitary fparrows fit alone, 
Complaining pelicans themfelves bemoan ; 
Soft doves vent their compaffionating note, 
All creatures there are heard which grief pro- 
mote ; 
No beauteous flowers there fpring, no pleafant 

fruits, 
Rue, carduus, wormwood, various bitter roots, 
And every herb unpalatable grows, 
Wont the old pafchal fallad to compofe ; 
Their vefts are hair or fackcloth, duft their bed, 
Wafh'd with the overflowing tears they fried ; 
Their drink from ever-dropping trees is rain'd, 
Like Marah's ftreams, of which the tribes com- 

plain'd ; 
And as with bitter draughts they quench their 

thirft, 
Into the cup their briny torrents burfl ; 
The coarfeft meal for daily bread they ufe, 
Moiften'd with tears their mournful eyes infufe ; 
The heavenly fun there daily wont to rife, 
Cheers with his healing wings the mourners' eyes, 
From his propitious throne each moment fheds 
Encouraging mild rays upon their heads ; 
In Adam's fons the Son of God delights, 
And mournful finners to His arms invites ; 
His love is wont immenfely to rejoice, 
Whene'er a humble convert hears His voice ; 




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ABSOLUTION. 



His precious Blood for finful man He loft, 
And loves the purchafe for the Price it coft. 

Salvian the youth then to the wardrobe guides, 
Where hair and fackcloth vefts hung round the 

fides ; 
The youth a girdle chofe and coat of hair, 
Such as great penitents are wont to wear ; 
Having put on his penitential weeds, 
Salvian the youth next to the chapel leads. 

There ftands juft in the middle of the fquare, 
Circled with cedar trees, a Houfe of Prayer ; 
Architects there ftrove their beft fkill to fhow, 
'Tis built of poliih'd marble, white as fnow ; 
Mourners who in their cells afreet black night, 
Appear at church as candidates of light : 
It is a pile magnificent and large, 
Of which collegiate paftors have the charge ; 
Their prelate Salvian over them prefides, 
To penitents they are fagacious guides ; 
Confeffions private at their Chairs are made, 
Which they to fouls command not, but perfuade, 
In fcandals chiefly, or diftrefs of mind, 
But all are to confefs to God enjoin'd; 
The mourners, who the penitent efpied, 
An univerfal miferere cried ; 
And foon as he far off the temple view'd 
His felf-humiliations he renew'd ; 
His feet unworthy he efteem'd to tread 




437 



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ABSOLUTION. 



The very path which to God's prefence led ; 
And at a diftance, in the outward court, 
His humble fpirit fpent its firft effort j 
Jacob, who heard God fpeak, and angels faw, 
Felt not at Bethel a more folemn awe, 
With downcaft looks afhamed to be ere£t, 
When on offended Heaven his thoughts reflect ; 
With tears, and fighs, and groans, together mix'd, 
Sent from a breaking heart by guilt transfix'd ; 
He uniting oft his felf- upbraiding breaft, 
His guilt he like the publican confeft ; 
All gracious God, for lovely Jefus' fake, 
On vile Hymnotheo tenderer! pity take : 
The prayer was fhort, but of eternal force, 
And took to Heaven an inftantaneous courfe. 



In the great portico there night and day 
A lazaret of wounded fpirits lay ; 
None daring to approach the facred door, 
While they the prayers of entering faints implore ; 
Kiffing their feet, bathing themfelves in tears, 
A breaking heart through every look appears ; 
Notorious and flagitious finners there, 
With long fharp Penances their fouls repair ; 
As the fick man lay to Bethefda nigh, 
And on the pool ftill kept his longing eye, 
Wifhing that fome kind hand would him befriend, 
To move him when the angel ihould defcend ; 
Thus they, with eyes fix'd on the holy gate, 
Their ghoftly angel's benediction wait ; 




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Within the hallow'd door on either hand, 
The Penitents advanced to Hearers' ftand, 
Who after a due Penance are thought fit 
Their duty to re-learn from facred writ ; 
The Proftrates near the facred defk are placed, 
By felf-humiliations more debafed, 
They in humility proficients grow, [know ; 

Are raifed the more the more themfelves they 
Confiftents, who by penitential moan 
Are ripe for prieftly Abfolution grown, 
Above the Proftrate ftand, and join in prayer, 
With faithful fouls, who next the Altar are. 
The Faithful who retrieve baptifmal flame, 
Re-feaFd for blifs with the Triunal name ; 
They inward joys of Abfolution feel, 
And glory in their re-imprinted feal : 
They have fubdued concupifcential ftrife ; 
They at the Altar eat the Bread of Life : 
They Heaven foretafte, they God their Father 

call, 
Jefus their Love, and fear no future fall. 



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THE VISITATION OF THE SICK. 

SEE, fee, my flefh, death with his dart, 
You and my fpirit now muft part : 
I dolorous ftruggles feel of vital force, 
And all my powers difpofing for divorce. 




439 



THE VISITATION 



My ftomach fails, I can no more 
With frefh recruits my ftrength reftore, 
My feet begin to freeze, my flaccid nerves 
Have for their craving drains no brifk referves. 

My pulfe fcarce beats, my heart grows chill, 
Can fcarce with blood my arteries fill ; 

My arteries unreplenifh'd ftarve my veins, 

But little circulation now remains. 

My eyes grow dim, I fcarce can fpeak, 

Strong pangs in twain my fibres break, 

Small aid my tendons to my mufcles lend, 

My joints grow ftiff", with difficulty bend. 

The channels to my heart grow dry, 

My fpirits wanting due fupply, 
But little vigour to my brain convey, 
I colder grow, my motion faints away. 

My mournful friends ftand all aghaft, 
And think each breath will be my laft, 
The world an univerfal blank appears, 
And a mere cypher all foregoing years. 

My will is feal'd, and with my heir 

The poor proportionably fhare, 
I pardon, and afk pardon of mankind, 
And leave no dues unfatisfied behind : 

All human fuccours now are flown, 
And I await my dying groan ; 





OF THE SICK. 



My foul is parting from this earthly vale, 
Into the ftate invifible to fail. 

I my Viaticum received, 

And that my ghoftly ftrength retrieved ; 
'Tis by repentance only I am eafed, 
And Jems' Love, who angry God appeafed. 

To God I have my will refign'd, 

To God I elevate my mind, 
My ghoftly guide has me Abfolved, and I 
Have nought to do, but pray, and love, and die. 

Good God me from delirium frees, 
My foul grows healthy by difeafe, 
Towards independency I feel it fpring, 
And my own requiem now prepare to fing. 

My Jefus treats me as His friend, 

I long till I to Him afcend, 
Though death ftares on me frightful, pale, and 

grim, 
My foul fhall entertain him with a hymn. 

My God, my Love this foul fuftains, 
And fweetens all my dying pains. 
Thou, Lord, didft bitter death endure for me, 
And haft from all death's terrors fet me free. 

Sin only death had dreadful made, 
But fince Thou haft our ranfom paid, 



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THE VISITATION 



Thou of his deadly fting doft death difarm, 
He may my foul unloofe but cannot harm : 

Jefus when dead yet rofe again, 
And from the grave began His reign, 

His Soul and Body re-united were, 

And flew to Heaven triumphant through the air. 

As the firft fruits God's hallow'd due, 
To God were offer'd by the Jew ; 
Which in God's fight the prieft was wont to wave, 
And God to all the crop His blemng gave. 

Thus Jefus rifen from the dead, 

On all men vital influence fried ; 
Death can no faithful fouls of life deprive, 
But by our Firft Fruit's rifing mail revive. 

You, my dear flefh, till the great day 
Muft to the worms become a prey, 
This debt you to the lapfe primeval owe, 
Muft humbly with fubmimon undergo. 

You mall return to human ore, 

But God will you to life reftore, 
He'll regifter each atom of your duft, 
And fort it at the rifing of the juft. 

As grain lies buried in the grave, 

Till it a refurre&ion have, 
Then from the ground its lofty head uprears, 
And with an hundred-fold increafe appears. 




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OF THE SICK. 



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Thus you'll to priftine clay return, 
Till God remands you from your urn, 
You'll the bright Form with rapture then behold, 
To which God mail your fcatter'd duft remould. 

Worms fhall no more your limbs devour, 
In weaknefs fown, you'll rife in power ; 
From mortal you fhall to immortal pafs, 
To incorruption from corrupted mafs. 

Your clay by the laft fire calcined, 

Shall to fpiritual be refined, 
And like Blefs'd Jefus' glorious Body, bright, 
Will fitted be to enter blifsful light. 

O'er death you'll then full conqueft gain, 
And hymn the Love of the Lamb flain, 
You'll, paft all ftorms, reach the celeftial fhore, 
Your body glorified can die no more. 

Were there no joys in that high fphere, 
Freedom from fin would death endear ; 
God's lovers here their days in forrow fpend, 
While tempted boundlefs Goodnefs to offend. 

To the laft fpark of vital flame, 
My lips fhall gafp out Jefus' Name. 





443 




L' 



HOLY ORDER. 

OVE is the badge which Jefus' lovers wear, 
Cemented daily by their mutual prayer ; 
To all who from our firft form'd fire defcend, 
Our loves,like God's, foft mercies mould extend ; 
But faints to faints by heav'nly Love allied, 
Are to a nobler love more ftri&ly tied ; 
The Church like one fole-family appear'd, 
The young, like fathers aged faints revered, 
Old faints, of Jefus' lambs took tender care, 
Equals, like brethren might in love compare ; 
For public fins they weekly ftations kept, 
They failed, pray'd, gave lib'ral alms, and wept ; 
What one enjoy'd was common to the reft, 
One purfe, one houfe, one table they pofTefs'd; 
One fpirit feem'd to actuate the frame, 
One faith, one love, one joy, one heav'nly aim ; 
All ftranger faints found home where'er they 

went, 
All would with tears the lapfe of one lament ; 
They nurfed the fick, they ev'ry want relieved, 
Condoled and comforted the fouls who grieved j 
With charitable kifTes feal'd their prayer, 
The Rich, love-feafts would for the Poor prepare ; 
Even infidels their mutual love confefs'd, 
While they the grace which they admired 

opprefs'd ; 
They vifited the gaols and mines, where faints 




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44-4- 




HOLT ORDER. 









Felt loathfome and calamitous restraints ; 
Warm prayers they made for martyrs, kifs'd their 

chains, 
Brought ghoftlv cordials to allay their pains ; 
Meek martyrs, who no outrage would provoke, 
And for the villains pray'd who gave the ftroke ; 
Saints drefs'd the martyrs' wounds, and cleanfed 

the gore, 
Honour'd the marks of Jefus which they wore ; 
They fearlefs them attended to the ftake, 
Of their dear reliques facred care to take ; 
With fpices to embalm their hallow'd clay, 
And to their graves with rev'rence to convey ; ' 
Of death faints lived in view, but not in dread, 
Blefs'd Jefus' Body was their daily bread ; 
They who the fame both Faith and Love profefs'd 
Lived in dear fweet communion like the blefs'd ; 
To praife, adore, love, hymn the Love divine, 
Like faints in glory, was their chief defign ; 
Herefies, Faith which Love excites, confound, 
Schifm,difcords,raifed love's harmony to drown'd. 
But Jefus in His realm vice-gerents placed 
To keep Faith uncorrupted, and Love chafle ; 
Who ihould of Jefus' paftoral Love partake, 
And feed His flock beloved for Love's fake ; 
Who mould from Him alone commiffions hold, 
And be fucceflive paftors to His fold. 



By Jefus' rules, His fubftitutes felecl, 
The hierarchy determined to erect ; 




44-5 




They all infpired by univerfal vote, 
Our Lord's own kinfman to the chair promote, 
The humble James o'er Salem to prefide, 
And for that flock celeftial food provide ; 
God to His Ifrael one High-prieft aflign'd 
While to one nation He the Church confined ; 
With Priefts,the temple who in courfe fupplied, 
And Levites, to more fervile ftations tied ; 
Of all the Church o'er Paleftina fpread, 
Their great High-prieft was God's vicarious head; 
His hallow'd undtion influenced the land, 
And of their union was the facred band -, 
All the united members thrice a year 
Commanded were before Him to appear ; 
He was their oracle, and He alone 
Deputed was God's anger to atone ; 
One temple, prieft, and altar, God ordain'd, 
Which unity of faith and love maintain' d ; 
God-man, whofe love in gracious oceans ftream'd, 
Which had no fhores, but the whole world 

redeem'd ; 
Our great, our fole archetypal High Prieft, 
When from the grave His Body was releafed, 
Made through the vail fupernal His afcent, 
His Blood and Interceffion to prefent ; 
A numerous high-priefthood then decreed, 
For ever mould His fovereign one fucceed ; 
In great reforts to fix a paftoral chair, 
To which the flock might for due aids repair ; 
The Spirit He on the firft miflion breathed, 




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To the whole race, His truth, peace, love, be- 
queathed \ 
They in the mother Church the fabric rear'd, 
James firft at helm the Church Judaic fteer'd ; 
Parochial Priefts were fix'd in every vill, 
Who under him mould faving truth inftil ; 
Deacons next chofen were on priefts to tend, 
And on the poor their pious labours fpend j 
All were obliged their Paftor to revere, 
The fole intelligence who roll'd their fphere ; 
And while with him in union they remain'd, 
Their faith, peace, love, were fteady and un- 
ftain'd. 



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With the primeval Church thus Salem blefs'd, 
The lovely model gave to all the reft ; 
Soon o'er the empire, and in lands remote, 
High priefts were fix'd in all reforts of note ; 
And while all fouls to their high prieft adhered, 
Sweet mutual love their fpirits co-endear'd ; 
Each bifhop had blefs'd Jefus' keys to lock, 
Or open the Church entrance to his flock ; 
He faithful care of catechumens took, 
Their growth in faith and love to overlook ; 
And when he thought them for Communion fit, 
Would to the font love's candidates admit ; 
He, that their faith and love might grow adult, 
Though luft, the world, and hell, mould them 

infult, 
Impower'd by Jefus, to their fouls convey'd, 




447 



fo^Cfl#& 





HOLT ORDER. 



By Confirmation, fupplemental aid ; 

He lovers to the Altar would invite, 

To raife their love to a triumphant height j 

Their love, by that Immortal Banquet fed, 

To torture and to martyrdom was bred. 

When wanton fouls, who brake baptifmal pa£t, 

Would leagues with fin, the world, and hell con- 

tracl:; 
The prelate the adulterefs would call, 
Then meekly mind her of her dangerous fall ; 
And warn'd, the fpoufe of Jefus would abjure, 
And mourn for her adulteries impure ; 
He Penances reftorative enjoin'd, 
To mortify the fin, and purge the mind ; 
True lovers with their tears her lapfe bewaiPd, 
And for her pardon humbly Heaven afTail'd ; 
When all her fatisfactions were complete, 
She begg'd her Abfolution at his feet ; 
All lovers feeing her rekindled love, 
Joy'd for her here, as angels joy'd above ; 
But when bold finners wholly love difclaim'd, 
Gave public fcandals and the truth defamed, 
Defied all facred powers, and would endure 
No one reftorative to work their cure ; 
He, the apoftates, jealous for his God, 
Devoted to the fin avenging rod ; 
Againft their entrance fhut the temple door, 
And to infernal fury gave them o'er ; 
Juft doom of fouls to Heavenly Love unchafte, 
Down to the diabolic ftate debafed. 




.: 



448 



HOLT ORDER. 



Each paftor, that in his large flock he might 
Raife and augment celeflial love and light, 
Choice under-fhepherds carefully ordain'd, 
Their chief and they the burthen co-fuftain'd ; 
They fheep and lambs with facred doclrine fed, 
They nourifh'd them with Euchariftic Bread ; 
They in affemblies offer'd prayer and praife, 
In ftudying holy writ fpent all their days ; 
They bright examples of true lovers gave, 
They flrove all others to enflame and fave ; 
They, as they faw the tempers of their fheep, 
Would comfort, warm, reprove, pray, joy, or 

weep ; 
The ftate of every foul they juftly weigh'd, 
And to their wants due applications made ; 
Wont tenderly faints dying to frequent, 
Their love, by their own fervours, to foment ; 
Saints' tears were by their Abfolution dried, 
And lovers in their arms refignedly died ; 
They of each foul committed to their truft, 
Gave their high prieft accounts minute and juft. 

Each bifhop rules took care, to his own tribe, 
For decency and order to prefcribe ; 
And of his priefts a council oft to hold, 
The endlefs blifs confulting of his fold ; 
All might advife, his voice fuperior fway'd, 
All to his negative due deference paid ; 
When needful, he would folemn fafts indi£t, 




449 



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HOLT ORDER. 



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Religioufly obferved in his diftridt ; 
Of all the hallow'd treafure he flood charged, 
Which by their weekly offering faints enlarged ; 
The priefts, church, poor, due portions from him 

gain'd, 
Himfelf he to juft competence reftrain'd ; 
What lovers gave on lovers he beftow'd, 
But alms to lovers in diftrefs o'erflow'd ; 
Pride, avarice, pomp, ambition, then were fled, 
Wealth never was a prelate's aim, but dread. 

Good prelates mall Love Catholic maintain, 
In ariftocracy fpiritual reign ; 
Till the Church eaft and weft afunder ftart, 
And into various fubdivifions part ; 
Baptifmal faith fhall yet be kept entire, 
Though all hell-powers to ruin it confpire ; 
Some paftors their commiffions may exceed, 
Unneceffary things may be decreed ; 
Men's minds may differ, yet in faith agree, 
From damning error, not from frailty free ; 
Two fifter churches may have different rite, 
While in Love Catholic they both unite ; 
The faints primeval the idea are, 
By them the Church muft all her practice fquare; 
They came together, for God's guidance pray'd, 
Choice of Matthias for curfed Judas made ; 
And paftors, when they faw a vacant chair, 
A lover for fucceffor chofe by prayer ; 
And if a bifhop faith or love betray'd, 



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450 



MATRIMONY. 



True bifhops met, the Judas to degrade ; 

All vacancies with lovers they fupplied, 

Who theloved flock with tender zeal mould guide. 

Apoftles, though infpired, when doubts arofe, 

A council fummon'd difference to compofe j 

Conducted by the Spirit they implored, 

Faith, Peace, and Love they to the Church re- 

ftored i 
The future Church mail the fame method ufe, 
When error mall its peftilence diffufe ; 
And mould inferior councils ftrive in vain, 
Bold errors to fupprefs or to reftrain, 
The Synods Catholic were all convene, 
Shall ftill the ftorm, and keep the Church ferene ; 
For order's fake one primacy may claim, 
But none at a fupremacy mult aim ; 
All like vice-gerents of blefs'd Jefus are, 
And in fraternal love have equal fhare ; 
From Jefus, bifhops equal keys derive, 
And Jefus like, muft not for empire ftrive. 



MATRIMONY. 

{Prince Edmund feeks council of S. Hubert). 

FATHER; you can unperplex my mind, 
My realm are for my marriage all inclined ; 

I love, but know not who fhe is, or where, 

And to difcover either, I defpair ; 



o 





MATRIMONY. 



Defpairing, I in celibate would live, 

Since I my heart can to no other give ; 

I feel too great a load in cares of ftate, 

Cares conjugal may much increafe the weight ; 

More hours I fain would in my clofet fpend, 

Pure Virgins beft, the affairs of Heaven attend. 

Son, faid the faint, if you both lives compare, 
Both different ways may in God's favour mare ; 
Prayers, meditations, and intentions pure, 
A heart which no temptations can allure ; 
Self-abnegation, and a confcience clear, 
Enduring no one luft to domineer ; 
All graces which Incarnate God enjoin'd, 
The married equally with Virgins bind. 

Contemplatives have eafy loads to bear, 
Freer from trouble and diftra&ing care, 
Loofe from the world, and difembroil'd from fenfe 
Their prayers may longer be, and more intenfe : 
To no relations Virgins have a tie 
To pluck them back, but unmolefted die ; 
A Virgin Prieft the Altar beft attends, 
Our Lord that ftate commands not, but com- 
mends. 
Saints in both ftates have purity retain'd, 
Both dear to God, have the like glory gain'd : 
The man whom God for bufinefs has defign'd, 
In bufinefs may keep folitude of mind ; 
Retirement and converfe may interchafe, 




452 



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MATRIMONT. 



That will repair what this may oft deface. 

He when on public of his time profufe, 

May in his oratory turn reclufe ; 

Converfe and bufinefs God's appointments are, 

They, well conducted, pleafe as well as prayer ; 

If bufinefs mould the length of prayer abate, 

A warm devotion makes it up in weight ; 

High education and command of time, 

A liberal foul with wealth and power fublime, 

Work charitable wonders far and near, 

And wrought by none who in public difappear. 

Both folitude and bufinefs open lie 
To Satan's fpite, both muft keep watchful eye : 
In this, the world a thoufand various fnares, 
For every paflion, every fenfe prepares, 
111 maxims, cuftoms, company there fway, 
Pride, vanity and luft our fouls betray : 
That, often is expofed to Satan's wiles, 
Who the imagination oft defiles, 
Sloth, tedium, and felf-love, if there they meet, 
They form a prifon rather than retreat : 
This Martha chofe, with a too anxious heart ; 
In that, calm Mary chofe the better part ; 
Had they both interchangeably combined, 
By compofition both had been refined ; 
In Jefus co-harmonioufly both join, 
And form th' idea of a life divine ; 
Whole nights alone His foul to Heaven afpired, 
He to the defert forty days retired ; 








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453 



MATRIMONT. 



For prayer would unfrequented mountains climb, 

In folitude devout oft fpent His time -, 

And yet from doing good He ne'er refrain'd, 

But a converfe promifcuous entertain'd. 

Thus in the world we muft the world exile, 

And to the world our clofet reconcile. 

Great faints, like Jefus, in the world may dwell, 

The timorous rather fhelter in a cell : 

Both muft co-equally on God rely, 

Who only can proportion'd aids fupply. 

God the chafte, focial, happy life ordain'd, 
In innocence, when man was yet unftain'd ; 
Even Paradife was but a lonely place 
Till God fent Eve to Adam's dear embrace : 
Heaven by virginity would empty ftand, 
'Tis marriage peoples all the blifsful land -, 
Prefcribed as gentle med'cine to the juft, 
To allay the calentures of baneful luft : 
God His firft blefling on that ftate beftow'd ; 
That bleffing down to all fucceflions flow'd ; 
In pairs on the dread ark the cherubs wait ; 
In pairs the feraphs tend God's Throne of State ; 
We from their Temple-union humbly guefs, 
That they like friendfhips now in Heaven pofTefs ; 
Both charity and friendship are at height 
In married faints, who in chafte love unite. 




454 




ftp 



APPENDIX. 

Firji Verfion of the Three Hymns, by the Author 
of the Manual of Prayers for the Ufe of the 
Scholars of Winchefier College. From the edition 
cfijoo. 

A MORNING HYMN. 



Ml; 




WAKE, my foul, and with the fun 
Thy daily ftage of duty run ; 
Shake off dull floth, and early rife 
To pay thy morning facrifice. 



Redeem thy miflpent time that's paft, 
Live this day, as if 'twere thy laft : 
To improve thy talent take due care, 
'Gainft the great Day thyfelf prepare. 

Let all thy converfe be fincere, 
Thy confcience as the noonday clear ; 
Think how all-feeing God thy ways 
And all thy fecret thoughts furveys. 

Influenced by the Light Divine, 
Let thy own light in good works mine : 
Reflect all Heaven's propitious ways 
In ardent love and cheerful praife. 




455 



APPENDIX. 



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Wake and lift up thyfelf, my heart, . 
And with the angels bear thy part, 
Who all night long unwearied fing 
Glory to the Eternal King. 

I wake, I wake, ye heavenly choir, 
May your devotion me infpire, 
That I like you my age may fpend, 
Like you may on my God attend. 

May I like you in God delight, 
Have all day long my God in fight, 
Perform like you my Maker's will, 

may I never more do ill. 

Had I your wings, to Heaven I'd fly, 
But God fhall that defecl: fupply, 
And my foul, wing'd with warm defire, 
Shall all day long to Heaven afpire. 

Glory to Thee, Who fafe haft kept 
And haft refrefh'd me whilft I flept ; 
Grant, Lord, when I from death fhall wake 

1 may of endlefs light partake. 

I would not wake, nor rife again, 
Even Heaven itfelf I would difdain, 
Wert not Thou there to be enjoy'd, 
And I in hymns to be employ'd. 

Heaven is, dear Lord, where'er Thou art, 
O never then from me depart j 








456 






AN EFENING HYMN. 



^ 



For to my foul 'tis hell to be 

But for one moment without Thee. 

Lord, I my vows to Thee renew, 
Scatter my fins as morning dew, 
Guard my firft fprings of thought and will, 
And with Thyfelf my fpirit fill. 

Direcl, control, fuggeft this day 

All I defign, or do, or fay; 

That all my powers, with all their might, 

In Thy fole glory may unite. 

Praife God, from Whom all bleflings flow, 
Praife Him all creatures here below, 
Praife Him above, ye angelic hoft, 
Praife Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft. 



AN EVENING HYMN. 

GLORY to Thee, my God, this night, 
For all the bleffings of the light \ 
Keep me, O keep me, King of kings, 
Under Thy own Almighty Wings. 

Forgive me, Lord, for Thy dear Son, 
The ill that I this day have done, 
That with the world; myfelf and Thee, 
I, ere I fleep, at peace may be. 




4-57 



APPENDIX. 



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Teach me to live, that I may dread 
The grave as little as my bed ; 
Teach me to die, that fo I may 
Triumphing rife at the laft day. 

may my foul on Thee repofe, 

And with fweet fleep mine eyelids clofe ; 
Sleep that may me more vigorous make 
To ferve my God when I awake. 

When in the night I fleeplefs lie, 
My foul with heavenly thoughts fupply, 
Let no ill dreams difturb my reft, 
No powers of darknefs me moleft. 

Dull fleep, of fenfe me to deprive, 

1 am but half my days alive 5 

Thy faithful lovers, Lord, are grieved 
To lie fo long of Thee bereaved. 

But though fleep o'er my frailty reigns, 
Let it not hold me long in chains, 
And now and then let loofe my heart 
Till it an Hallelujah dart. 

The fafter fleep the fenfe does bind 
The more unfetter'd is the mind ; 
O may my foul, from matter free, 
Thy unveil'd Goodnefs waking fee ! 

O when fhall I in endlefs day 
For ever chafe dark fleep away, 



Wo 



''tiFinDiniT!! 'X 







A MIDNIGHT HYMN. 



And endlefs praife with the Heavenly choir 
IncefTant fing, and never tire ? 

You, my bleft Guardian, whilft I fleep, 
Clofe to my bed your vigils keep, 
Divine Love into me inftil, 
Stop all the avenues of ill. 

Thought to thought with my foul converfe, 
Celeftial joys to me rehearfe, 
And in my ftead all the night long 
Sing to my God a grateful fong. 

Praife God, from Whom all bleffings flow, 
Praife Him all creatures here below, 
Praife Him above, ye angelic hoft, 
Praife Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft. 



A MIDNIGHT HYMN. 






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LORD, now my fleep does me forfake, 
The fole pofleilion of me take, 
Let no vain fancy me illude, 
No one impure defire intrude. 

Bleft angels ! while we filent lie, 
Your hallelujahs fing on high, 




459 



,:;■ 



% 



APPENDIX. 



You, ever wakeful near the Throne 
Proftrate, adore the Three in One. 

I now awake, do with you join, 
To praife our God in hymns divine : 
With you in Heaven I hope to dwell, 
And bid the night and world farewell. 

My foul, when I make off this duft, 
Lord, in Thy Arms I will entruft ; 
O make me Thy peculiar care 
Some heavenly manfion me prepare. 

Give me a place at Thy faints' feet, 
Or fome fall'n angel's vacant feat, 
I'll ftrive to fing as loud as they 
Who fit above in brighter day. 

O may I always ready ftand 
With my lamp burning in my hand, 
May I in fight of Heaven rejoice, 
Whene'er I hear the Bridegroom's Voice. 

Glory to Thee in light array'd, 
Who light Thy dwelling-place haft made, 
An immenfe ocean of bright beams 
From Thy all-glorious Godhead ftreams. 

The fun in its meridian height, 

Is very darknefs in Thy fight : 

My foul O lighten and inflame 

With thought and love of Thy great Name. 





Bleft Jefu, Thou on Heaven intent, 
Whole nights haft in devotion fpent ; 
But I, frail creature, foon am tired, 
And all my zeal is foon expired. 

My foul, how canft thou weary grow 
Of antedating Heaven below, 
In facred hymns and Divine Love, 
Which will eternal be above ? 

Shine on me, Lord, new life impart, 
Frefh ardours kindle in my heart ; 
One ray of Thy all-quickening Light 
Difpels the floth and clouds of night. 

Lord, left the tempter me furprife, 
Watch over Thine own facrifice, 
All loofe, all idle thoughts caft out, 
And make my very dreams devout. 

Praife God, from Whom all bleffings flow, 
Praife Him all creatures here below, 
Praife Him above, ye angelic hoft, 
Praife Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft. 




s 




INDEX OF FIRST LINES. 



LL praife to Thee, great God, we owe 
All praife to Thee 

night 
All who to Jefus come 
A Song of Jefus I defign 
As to myfelf, to be to others kind . 
As when a vint emperors intend 
Awake, my foul, and with the fun 
Awake, my foul, and with the fun 

Blefs'd Andrew ! in your call we trace 

Blefs'd angels, whether you on high . 

Blefs'd hour ! when I was born again 

Blefs'd Jefus from His radiant cloud defcends 

Blefs'd Jefus, on the Crofs in boundlefs pain 

Blefs'd Jefus, Thy propitious heart 

Blefs'd Jefus, who didft wondrous grief fuftain 

Blefs'd Spirit, aid me, while I fing 

Blefs'd Spirit, who the woman's offfpring led 

Bleft Spirit, who on Jefus' facred Head . 

Celeftial harps prepare . . . 

Ere the intelligence, from nothing rear'd 
Eternal Dove, by Jefus fent . 
Fair Antioch, the rich, the great . 
Faith, hope, and tear within my breaft 
Falfe world, I'll you no more endure 
For your converiion, holy Mark 




////////um 



463 



'H^W^T^ 





^ 



INDEX OF FIRST LINES. 



Friend, for my pain your moan forbear . 
From Adam all, to thofe who ftay 

Gabriel to Daniel, when at prayer . 
Glory to Thee, my God, this night 
God a command upon me lays 
God-man, Who on the dolorous Tree . 
God, Who is pleafed bright Angels down to 
Great Day ! to mortals kept unknown . 
Great God Triune, enthroned above 

Hark, O my foul, the trumpet blows 

How Godhead to our human flefh was join'd 

In univerfal dread I waked . 

I fing, my God, the Saint this day 

Jefu, I in Thy Gofpel read . 
Jefu, Who, man in blils to re-inftate 

Let others fail the world about 
Lord, now my fleep does me forfake 
Lord 'tis not in Thy Church alone 
Love is the badge which Jems' lovers wear 

Melt me all o'er, eternal, gracious Dove 

More blefs'd to give than to receive 

Mofes on high twice twenty days . 

My faith and hope, your powers unite 

My God, now I from fleep awake . 

My God, fince I in exile here 

My God, Thy wife, propitious Will 

My God, 'tis by Thy fweet fupports 

My Jefus, fince Thy Love Divine . 

My Jefus, Thou all lovely art 

My prayers for Love to Heaven directly fly 



fend 



PAGE 

82 

2l8 

457 

7 

163 

58 

13 

227 

86 
149 

75 
22 

429 
127 

254 

459 

73 

44-4 

138 

259 
271 
199 

5 

244 

117 

69 

251 
264 

3°5 




Iffi- 



& 



464 



INDEX OF FIRST LINES. 



& 



Next to the name of devil, none 

Nor eye, ear, thought, can take the height 



Of all the conquefts which Thy grace 

Of all the gifts which Heaven defign'd 

Of all the monfters which appear'd . 

Of all the folemn days 

Of all who e'er with heart unfeign'd 

O Father, you can unperplex my mind 

Of Jems' brethren to take care 

O foolifh heart, which often ft rays . 

O Fountain of all Grace Divine 

Oft has my mind took flight . 

O Great God-man ! my grovelling fpirit 

Oh, I fhall ne'er forget the happy hour 

O holy Church, whom we refpe6f. . 

O Jefu ! with Thy Spirit fill my breaft 

O Life, what art thou ? oft I try . 

Our Lord, when Simon to Him came 



Say, blefTed angels, fay . 
See, fee, my flefh, death with his dart 
See there a Jew from th' hallow'd town 
Soon as great God in flefh enfhrined 
Soul, when your flefh diffolves to duft 

The king who with juft title reigns 
The loved difciple, full of Love Divine 
There is a vale of tears which mountains 
This morn, blefs'd Saint, our zeal devout 
Thofe days I often call to mind 
Though votaries, whom our Lord defign 
Thrice happy man whofe foul is ftaid 
Thy Juftice, Lord, my fong excites 
'Tis, Lord, Thy Will that all mankind 



aife 



bound 




A 



INDEX OF FIRST LINES. 



Unction the Chriftian name implies . 
Upon the octave of Thy birth 

We, like the fly, muft from the world retreat 
When Adam finn'd, and all his line 
Whene'er my voice of Jefus fmgs . 
When God from Heaven came down 
When God in flefh would be enChrined 
When God the radiant Gabriel chofe 
When Jefus notice gave 
When Jefus truth celeftial taught . 
When our redemption was complete 
When Solomon the temple rear'd . 
When the archangel's trump fhall found 
Whether I will or no, I find . 

Ye fpirits ever-blefs'd 

You blefled angels at the throne 

You friend of God, for God's dear fake 



PAGE 

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357 

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4.18 
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